Oklahoma —
FFRF put a stop to a Sapulpa Public Schools system bible study being led by an elementary school teacher.
At the end of 2023, a Freedom Elementary School parent reported that a school teacher had been abusing her position to proselytize and impose her personal religious beliefs onto students. FFRF’s complainant reported that the teacher gave their child a bible, and the same teacher led and directed a bible study at the school that included religious prayer and worship. Reportedly, the district was claiming that the bible study was “student-led.”
“The district must make certain that none of its employees are unlawfully and inappropriately indoctrinating students in religious matters by discussing their personal religious beliefs with, or preaching to students,” FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote to the district.
The district’s legal representative, John E. Priddy from Rosenstein, Fist & Ringold addressed the concerns after FFRF continued to send the district letters. Priddy apologized for the delay, assuring that the matter was addressed when the letter was received. “The district is aware of and understands the laws prohibiting a teacher from using their position to share their faith with students as well as the prohibition against distributing faith-based materials (such as bibles) at school,” Priddy wrote. Priddy closed his letter stating that staff and principals were committed to adherence to legal obligations moving forward and ensuring the district and its employees are in compliance with the law.
