Oklahoma Supreme Court declines to block new social studies standards

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has declined to temporarily block the state’s new social studies standards from going into effect.

The ruling means the new standards will be implemented for the upcoming school year.

In July, 33 Oklahomans, including teachers, parents, and clergy, filed a lawsuit asking the court to halt the standards. The suit alleges the standards violate the state constitution by promoting Christianity in public schools.

Some of the new standards include curriculum denying the integrity of the 2020 presidential election and religious topics.

RELATED:

1. Oklahoma social studies standards challenged by group over religious content
2. Oklahoma State Supt. Ryan Walters' social studies standards targeted in new lawsuit

In a joint statement, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and Oklahoma Appleseed which are plaintiffs in the case said,

“While it’s disappointing that the court has not taken immediate action to block implementation of Superintendent Ryan Walters’ religiously coercive new social studies standards, today’s ruling is not a final resolution of this case. We have presented a strong case to the court that Walters’ new standards will violate students’ and families’ religious freedom by promoting one version of Christianity and advancing Christian Nationalist disinformation. We’re hopeful for a final ruling in favor of our clients that protects religious freedom, public education and church-state separation for all Oklahomans."

The original lawsuit can be found below.