It’s sure trying to be. Peruse the list below of my previous posts about Oklahoma.
But first, the reason for this post is the state schools superintendent’s thinly-disguised efforts to impose mandatory Bible instruction on Oklahoma public schools. This isn’t especially shocking, given that Oklahoma is part of the so-called “Bible belt” (see definition here), and a deep-red state. It’s also home to Oral Roberts University.
But keep in mind Oklahoma has a large Native American population, who have their own native religions, and only 73% of state residents identify as Christians.
These Bible classes appear to violate the First Amendment, and some school districts are refusing to comply with the superintendent’s edict. Despite that, he’s forging ahead, threatening to punish non-complying school districts (read story here).
I guess that’ll probably end up in court. Meanwhile, here are some other Oklahoma stories from this blog:
- “Oklahoma makes being an illegal a crime” — May 22, 2024, read it here
- “Oklahoma board votes to use public funds for Catholic education” — June 5, 2023, read it here
- “Jail supervisor gets 4 years for prisoner abuse” — December 6, 2022, read it here
- “GOP candidate wants Dr. Fauci shot” — April 27, 2022, read it here
- “The dumbest anti-vax argument” — December 29, 2021 — read it here
- “Oklahoma botches 3rd consecutive execution” — October 28, 2021, read it here
- “Oklahoma’s robber cops” — October 16, 2021, read it here
- “Woman has Oklahoma felony record for unreturned VHS tape” — April 24, 2021, read it here
- “Now only religious people can get married in Oklahoma” — March 18, 2015, read it here
- “Oklahoma U. should repatriate this Nazi-looted artwork to its owner” — March 14, 2015, read it here
- “Oklahoma GOP legislators seek to ban AP courses and require students to read Reagan speeches instead” — February 19, 2015, read it here
- “Radical Republicans: Is this Oklahoma legislator America’s most virulent homophobe?” — January 24, 2015, read it here
- “Oklahoma GOP legislators learn they can’t pay teachers fast-food wages” — January 24, 2015, read it here
- “In Oklahoma, a white guy shooting a black police chief isn’t a crime” — January 17, 2015, read it here
- “NEW LAWS From Oklahoma: Naming The Arts District For a KKK Leader” — October 20, 2014, read it here
And that’s before tornadoes; Oklahoma is the heart of Tornado Alley, so if you live there, you need a bunker for protection from storms and politicians.