Oklahoma Watch reporters discovered a request for proposals from the Oklahoma State Department of Education seeking bids for 55,000 Bibles to be placed in classrooms statewide. The bid specifications were written so narrowly that only one edition met the criteria, effectively excluding other versions. After questions were raised about the procurement and its legality, the department revised the RFP to broaden eligibility and later canceled it altogether.
Dozens of Lawsuits and Hundreds of TV Appearances: A Look Back at Superintendent Walters Tenure
Ryan Walters grabbed headlines throughout his tenure as the state schools chief, racking up dozens of lawsuits over his controversial policies.
Court Blocks Superintendent Walters’ Bible Purchase, For Now
A court order issued Monday bars Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, the Department of Education, the Board of Education and the Office of Management and Enterprise Services from further…
Education Department Abruptly Cancels Search for Bible Vendor
The Education Department canceled its deal to buy 55,000 King James Version Bibles for schools, but an agency spokesman said they will issue a new request.
Families and Teachers Ask Supreme Court to Stop Superintendent’s Push for Bibles in Public Schools
More than 30 parents, students, teachers and faith leaders have asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to block the state superintendent’s Bible mandate and impending $3 million Bible purchase.
Education Department Updates Bible Plan After Concerns By State Purchasing Agency
Oklahoma’s plan to buy 55,000 Bibles for classrooms has been revised to allow multiple vendors to supply Bibles and U.S. historical documents. Initially, the plan appeared to favor specific Bible…
State Education Department Seeks Bids for 55,000 Classroom Bibles
The Oklahoma State Department of Education is seeking bids for 55,000 Bibles for classrooms with specific requirements. But bid documents indicate they can only be met by versions endorsed by…
