Faith leaders worry OSDE's proposed social studies standards are part of an agenda

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma's newest proposed academic standards for social studies has a lens on Christianity and the teaching of Jesus. It also includes an overview of world religions.

"They have no idea the depths of the lessons that they're trying to implement into public school curriculum." said Rev. Fleck.

Reverend and Dr. Shannon Fleck is the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Faith Network. Rev. Fleck has studied Theology and world religions for more than a decade.

"One of the things Christian Nationalism has done to our country is to push this myth that our Founding Fathers were die hard Christians, wanting Christianity and Jesus and God and everything. What I want to say today is that's false," Rev. Fleck said.

In a press release, State Superintendent Ryan Walters said in part, "We are presenting a successful model that others can emulate for how to restore public education and eradicate the radical woke influences from our schools."

Rev. Fleck says, "This is not needed to be a successful student in Oklahoma. This is needed at home with family and your friends and used to guide your life."

For example, a concept listed in the second grade curriculum wants students to identify stories from Christianity that influenced the American Colonists.

Sixth graders are asked to evaluate the role of Judeo-Christian ideals in supporting colonial demands for independence.

High schoolers would be expected to describe Christianity in ancient Rome, including the meanings and effects of Jesus of Nazareth's words as recorded by Matthew.

"Our founding fathers believed in God to the point where they were going to keep it separate from the founding of our country, because every person deserves to follow God in their own terms," said Rev. Fleck

News 4 reached out to a number of schools for their reaction to the proposed standards. So far, we've only heard back from Tulsa Public Schools. They sent the following statement below.

Together with our locally elected Board of Education, Tulsa Public Schools works hand-in-hand with input from our teachers, leaders, families, and community to select the most appropriate curriculum and instructional materials to equip our students to meet or exceed the standards set forth by the state department only once standards  have been approved by the state legislature. We encourage our community and Tulsa Public Schools families to review the proposed draft of the standards released today and submit their comments to the Oklahoma State Department of Education by the January 21 deadline.

Tulsa Public Schools

The revised standards are available for open comment through January 21, 2025. Feedback received during that time period will be reviewed by OSDE in the revision process.