Pushback from opponents as Republicans push for increased Christianity in public schools.

The push to bring more religion into America's public schools, led by Republicans, is sparking opposition from critics who contend it violates the principle of separation of church and state.

Public schools in Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas are considering allowing chaplains, incorporating the Bible into curricula, and displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms, respectively.

Despite opposition, Republican officials such as Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and Oklahoma state school Superintendent Ryan Walters are standing firm on their policies and urging local schools to implement them, according to a Politico report.

In 2024, over 650 bills related to religion in education have been introduced by Republican and Democratic state lawmakers, as per a report by Quorum, a software company that tracks legislation. However, local school officials and civil rights organizations are now pushing back against these bills.

In Florida, DeSantis has implemented a volunteer school chaplain program that went into effect in July, allowing for the integration of more religion into the state's public school system. However, members of The Satanic Temple (TST), which is recognized as a church by the IRS, are prepared to serve as "volunteer chaplains" under the new law, providing support, services, and programs to students.

Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. announced last month the introduction of a model policy to ensure that credible chaplains can volunteer in Florida's schools.

To be included on the school's list of Volunteer School Chaplains, each person who applies must meet the minimum requirements, including the proposed definition of a chaplain, demonstrate a local religious affiliation as defined by the state, and possess the required education.

Diaz wrote that Florida allows officially authorized chaplains to serve as volunteers in schools and offer students moral guidance.

Politico reports that school boards are reluctant to establish chaplain programs due to concerns about potential religious freedom lawsuits if they limit participation from groups such as The Satanic Temple.

A new law in Louisiana mandating public schools to display the Ten Commandments is being challenged legally by the ACLU and other religious freedom groups representing families who believe it violates their First Amendment rights.

In August, Landry stated that many religions recognize the Ten Commandments as a whole, and he believes that the fuss over the issue is unnecessary. He and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill are requesting schools to prepare for the new policy in January, in anticipation of a court hearing at the end of the month.

The K-5 reading and language arts curriculum in Texas has been criticized for promoting Christianity over other religions, according to Houston Public Media. However, the Texas Education Agency clarified that religious source material is used in a historical context and in an appropriate manner for a public school setting, not to convert or favor one religion over another.

In Oklahoma, the Bible was declared as an "instructional support" for fifth through 12th grades in late June by State Superintendent Walters.

Opponents of the law argue that Walters lacks the power to modify curriculum standards without the consent of state legislators or school district leaders.

In a July memorandum, Walters' office stated that physical copies of the Bible and Ten Commandments are "essential for the complete education of students in Oklahoma" and must be made available in all district classrooms.

He maintained that the Bible has greatly influenced Western civilization and American history, but emphasized that it should be utilized in education for its historical, literary, and secular value, and not for religious objectives such as preaching, converting, or brainwashing.

Annie Laurie Gaylor, a co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, expressed disagreement with the memo and advised school boards to disregard it, stating that it was "reckless grandstanding."

Under state law, school districts and individual teachers have no authority to be dictated curriculum by Superintendent Walters, she stated.

According to USA Today, at least eight school districts in the state have declared that they will not modify their curriculum in accordance with Walters' directive.

Oklahoma educators who refuse to follow the law and standards will comply, and I will take necessary measures to ensure it, as stated by Walters on July 24.

Prior to the 1960s, American classrooms typically provided biblical instruction in its historical and literary context. However, its removal signaled a decline in American education that has persisted for decades.