Ohio and Oklahoma have been spending millions of dollars on religious initiatives in public schools. Oklahoma recently approved $3 million for placing Bibles in classrooms, sparking concerns from civil rights groups about the violation of church-state separation. Similarly, Ohio allocated $3 million for repairs at private religious schools, prompting scrutiny from advocacy groups.
Critics argue that infusing public funds into religious instruction can perpetuate harmful messages, exclude marginalized groups, and undermine the principles of secular education. Americans United and other organizations are demanding transparency in spending and opposing efforts to propagate religious ideologies in public education.
The push to introduce Bible studies in schools has faced backlash, with concerns about indoctrination and coercion of students. The use of public funds for private religious schools has also raised questions about discrimination and selective admissions.
As debates continue, civil rights groups are advocating for accountability and urging officials to uphold the separation of church and state in public educational institutions.