An Oklahoma teacher has raised concerns about Bibles distributed to classrooms across the state. These Bibles, part of an initiative led by State Superintendent Ryan Walters and supported by musician Lee Greenwood, contain an incomplete version of the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, Amendments 11 through 27 are missing from the text, while the three-fifths compromise remains included.
Key Takeaways
- Oklahoma classrooms received Bibles with an incomplete U.S. Constitution.
- Amendments 11 through 27 are absent from the constitutional text within these Bibles.
- The three-fifths compromise is still present in the included version of the Constitution.
- State Superintendent Ryan Walters partnered with Lee Greenwood for the Bible distribution.
- A teacher highlighted the discrepancy, arguing the Constitution is a 'living document'.
Teacher Identifies Missing Constitutional Amendments
Aaron Baker, a social studies teacher specializing in AP U.S. Government, received two 'God Bless the USA' Bibles for his classroom in March. He recently shared his observations on TikTok, pointing out a significant omission in the constitutional text included in these Bibles. Baker noted that the Bibles contain various historical documents, but the Constitution presented is not complete.
The Bibles are currently placed in AP U.S. Government classrooms across Oklahoma. Baker stated he does not regularly use the Bible in his teaching curriculum. However, his review revealed important details about the included materials.
Fact Check
- The 'God Bless the USA' Bibles include a message from Lee Greenwood, the Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
- The U.S. Constitution in these Bibles stops after the Tenth Amendment (Bill of Rights).
- Seventeen subsequent amendments are not included.
Details of the Omission
Baker's video specifically highlighted that the Bibles' version of the U.S. Constitution lacks Amendments 11 through 27. These amendments cover significant changes and expansions to American law and civil rights over more than two centuries. Additionally, Baker pointed out that the three-fifths compromise, an early constitutional provision, is still present in the text provided.
"I thought it was time to let everyone know what was exactly... in it and feel pretty strongly that we know why it was included the way it is. It's very clearly not an accident what was and was not included in that Constitution," Baker said. "When you include all 27 amendments and all of the changes that are required by those amendments, then you're teaching the full story and you're not leaving particular parts of history out."
This omission means students receiving these Bibles would not see critical amendments like the 13th (abolishing slavery), 14th (granting citizenship and equal protection), 15th (voting rights for Black men), 19th (women's suffrage), or 26th (18-year-old voting age).
Publisher's Explanation and Teacher's Rebuttal
FOX 25 reached out to God Bless the USA Customer Success for clarification. The publisher explained that the decision was made to include only the original founding documents. According to their statement, "The God Bless The USA Bible includes the US Constitution with the first ten original amendments, collectively known as the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791 to protect fundamental individual rights." They stated that Amendments 11-27 were added at later dates, justifying their exclusion.
Constitutional Context
The U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791. Since then, 17 additional amendments have been ratified, reflecting societal changes and evolving legal interpretations. These later amendments fundamentally altered the scope of federal power and individual rights.
Baker strongly disagreed with this rationale. He emphasized that the Constitution is a living document that has evolved over time. Omitting later amendments presents an incomplete and potentially misleading view of American constitutional history.
"All living things change and grow and so the Constitution has grown literally 27 times and so it is disingenuine at very best to say something like well we wanted to present the Constitution as it was to the Founding Fathers. As a living document, it needs to be included in its entirety," Baker told FOX 25.
The debate centers on whether presenting only the original text, without subsequent modifications, accurately reflects the current legal framework of the United States. Educators often teach the Constitution as a document that adapts through amendments and judicial interpretation.
Background of the Bible Distribution Initiative
The distribution of these 'God Bless the USA' Bibles is a result of a partnership between State Superintendent Ryan Walters and musician Lee Greenwood. This initiative aimed to place Bibles in Oklahoma classrooms. The state legislature did not fund this project directly. Instead, the Bibles were provided through this private partnership.
Superintendent Walters has publicly stated his goal of placing a Bible in every Oklahoma classroom. Currently, the Bibles are specifically in AP U.S. Government classrooms. The controversy surrounding the incomplete constitutional text highlights ongoing discussions about the role of religious texts and historical documents in public education.
The incident raises questions about the curriculum materials provided to students and the accuracy of historical documents presented in an educational setting. Teachers like Baker advocate for comprehensive and accurate materials to ensure students learn the full scope of American history and civics.