BREAKING NEWS
OK Soc. Studies Assignment Sparks Outrage as Christian Bias Alleged in School Assignment
A recent social studies assignment from an Oklahoma school has sent shockwaves across the nation, with parents and educators alike expressing outrage and concerns over the perceived Christian bias contained within the task.
The assignment, handed out to students in a Shawnee, Oklahoma school, instructed children to write a short essay on the significance of the Christian holiday Easter in American history. The question explicitly asked students to explore "How did the Christian holiday of Easter become a significant part of American culture?" Leaving many to wonder if such a question is relevant and appropriate in a public school setting.
"When I saw the assignment, my gut reaction was that this is totally unacceptable," said local resident and parent, Sarah Jenkins. "As a parent, I have the right to expect that my child will receive a neutral and inclusive education. Not one that pushes Christianity down their throat."
The controversy surrounding this assignment has sparked heated debate over the role of religion in public schools, with many calling for greater vigilance in ensuring that educational materials and lessons remain neutral and inclusive.
"While we understand the importance of recognizing different holidays and traditions, we believe it is essential to approach these topics with an even-handed and respectful attitude towards all faiths and beliefs," stated Dr. Rachel Thompson, Education Secretary for the state of Oklahoma. "Any perceived bias or favoritism should be addressed promptly to maintain the integrity and diversity of our public school system."
As the situation continues to unfold, many are left wondering whether this incident is an isolated incident or indicative of a larger trend in Oklahoma schools. One thing is certain – parents and educators alike will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that education remains a beacon of inclusivity, rather than a tool for promoting one religious tradition over others.
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Olivia Gray, a concerned mother from Skiatook, is questioning the appropriateness of a school research assignment her daughter received at Skiatook High School.
The assignment titled "How did the world start?" asked questions like "Who started it?" "What does it mean to be a Christian?" and "Is God real?"
Gray said her daughter, a sophomore, brought the assignment to her attention, prompting Gray to voice her concerns.
Gray said the questions are inappropriate for students, especially for Native American students. She expressed concern over what she said was bias in the questions given to students in a World History class online assignment.
I wonder how the teacher would grade the essays if the kid states that there is no God? Or if they wrote a Pro-Satan essay.
https://news.yahoo.com/news/oklahoma-mother-says-daughters-world-170341711.html
View info-news.info by Disgruntled_Veteran
OK teachers are now forced to “teach the bible”. As a history teacher NOT in Oklahoma, I know exactly how I would teach the Bible if I had to. This isn’t the kind of assignment I’d ever give, but I’m sure that this teacher took the directive to teach the Bible seriously, and whodathunk that this would be the result?
For being such sticklers for formatting, they certainly suck at it themselves.
From the article:
*The Examiner-Enterprise found that the Oklahoma State Board of Education issued an “emergency or provisional certificate” licensure to Richter in February 2024 for the Tulsa School District.*
*Gray described him as a former Marine and coach and called him “intimidating because he’s very tall and loud.”*
Can’t say I’m surprised. I’m sure Florida has plenty of these schmucks too.
This is a World History assignment, though. World History covers the history of religion and ideas about good and evil.
This teacher is presenting these ideas as questions and asking students to cite their research using APA guidelines. I’d imagine they will receive some very interesting, varied responses.
Why is it so fking hard for people to realize religion is personal? I live in the Bible Belt and even I never experienced this. I remember learning about extinct humans in social studies class, so I guess that would’ve been close enough to evolution. There was always religious schools, why push it to students in public schools who would most likely believe in other religions?
Number 3 will be a fun one
Isaiah 45:7 “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things”
I teach comparative religions. I stick to the facts, and also include phrases like “Christians believe…” and “Zoroastrians believe…” I wouldn’t go as far as asking a student to affirm or reject a deity.
As a Christian, this is going way too far.
School is not church. They are not qualified to teach church or religious doctrine of any kind and should not be doing so. School is for secular knowledge, which includes appropriate history.
I am angry for Oklahoma, and for my own state (Louisiana), who will likely copy OK if they are allowed to continue. Frankly, Christianity has been taught in classrooms here for quite some time under the radar, and because parents aren’t following along with what their kids are learning, they’re not catching it (or caring about it). A good prime example is my nephew’s history course was focusing on Jesus conquering Rome. (I did not typo that in any way, I said what I said.)
It’s all fun and games for religious voters until they realize their particular blend of Christianity isn’t “the right kind of Christianity.”
Yeah… what kind of questions are those? If you are okay with teaching theology in public schools 5, 6 and 7 can at least be answered, but the rest are subjective.
In some ways, it could’ve been a great starting point. What are ways you’ve learned that the world began? It opens it up to all kinds of discussions of cultural views, and then bring in the science, I would hope. Otherwise, what the flowers?
I would love to see a student answer “science shows strong evidence that the world formed from an accretion disk of early solar system material”
“the question who started it? suffers from the flaw of assuming that anyone started it, starting with the assumption of a ‘who’ is improper”
And if the teacher gives anything but a good grade to answers like these contact the ACLU to file a lawsuit.
This is of countless items of evidence as to why the Republican Legislature in OK have opened an investigation into the state department of education. [Oklahoma State Department of Education to be investigated by state watchdog agency | KOSU](https://www.kosu.org/politics/2024-08-16/oklahoma-state-department-of-education-to-be-investigated-by-state-watchdog-agency)