OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, today issued the following statement regarding a recent executive order by State Superintendent Ryan Walters to allow the Bible and the Ten Commandments to be used as historical texts in statewide public schools.

"I feel it is important as a state representative that I announce my public position on this matter. I would caution anyone from letting their opinion of the state superintendent cloud their judgement. The first issue is the question: is it legal to use the Bible and Ten Commandments as historical texts? It is my understanding the courts have ruled the Bible and Ten Commandments can be used as historical texts. Therefore, it is my understanding that it is absolutely legal to teach using these texts. However, it is my understanding the Bible and Ten Commandments cannot be used to encourage or teach religion or religious views. 

The second issue is, do the parents of the school districts desire their schools to use the Bible and Ten Commandments to teach their children? 

I believe that the recent events of the past month have inspired more public support for these foundational documents. I have received numerous opinions on this matter, but I feel the overwhelming majority support using the Bible and Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. 

I personally support using the Bible and the Ten Commandments because these are the historical and foundational principles on which our nation has been established. When we have followed these foundational principles, we have prospered, and look at us now. As for me and my house, we will always follow these teachings."