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The final day for mandates on Bibles in Oklahoma classrooms comes amid litigation and controversy


The final day for mandates on Bibles in Oklahoma classrooms comes amid litigation and controversy

After the Oklahoma State Department of Education mandated the teaching of the Bible in a historical context in classrooms across the state, Monday is the last day for businesses to submit a bid to provide the religious text and supporting documents.

The Oklahoma State Board of Education approved the $3 million budget request for Bibles in September and bidding began Sept. 30.

This first offer stated that the Bible must contain other historical documents, such as the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence.

However, only two Bibles, both endorsed by former President Donald Trump and costing $60 and $90 respectively, met all the criteria.

Walters said the offer did not target a specific Bible, and a few days later the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services and the OSDE amended the Bible offer, saying the additional documents could be provided as separate documents.

OMES also said they would extend the tender window by a week, with the last day for the tender set for Monday, October 21st.

OSDE's budget request still needs to be approved by lawmakers in the upcoming session.

Last week, nearly 30 people filed a lawsuit challenging OSDE's Bible teaching mission.

RELATED: Parents, teachers and clergy are suing to stop Bible requirements in Oklahoma classrooms

The State Board of Education's monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday.

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