"I believe it's important for historical context for kids to understand the role the Bible played." Walters also said the state Education Department wants to protect teacher's rights, adding that his office is investigating complaints from parents of a teacher who was dismissed for expressing questions about God in the classroom.

Oklahoma’s top education official and school board will ask the state Legislature for an extra $3 million in public funds to purchase a Bible for every public school classroom and $500,000 for firearms training for school staff.