By Journalist Alondra Perez (OU)
With 11 votes in the affirmative and an overwhelming 40 votes in the negative, ORU-504 easily became one of the most emotional bills of the day. Burris from Oral Roberts University brought a bill to implement the principles of the ten commandments in public schools in regards to teaching students etiquette. The introduction of religion raised the question of constitutionality.
From all around the room different caucasus a rally of conversion occurred on the pros and cons of the bill. During an interview amid the caucus, zero star Rosenberg, was not opposed to etiquette classes, but since it is a religious affiliated idea toward one religion, she felt the bias. “If it was just a list of ideas a good human should follow, then it would be understandable. If there was a separation of religion, I don’t think that would be a problem at all.” Others completely disagreed with the bill on all angles, “Morality is for the individuals to determine and not for the state to endoctrine” said Representative Cantrell. Rep. Cantrell is an actively practicing Catholic who believes there is a firm need for a separation of church and state. “This violates that firm line of separation of church and state not all Oklahomans abide by”. Others became concerned upon the taxpayer dollar.
“If taxpayer money is used religion should not be public schools should not be involved,” said Representative Sweety from Oklahoma University.
During debate, individuals were able to get their voices heard to show support of the bill. The proponency fought in the defense of ORU-504, arguing that the author intentionally left three of the original ten commandments to not force upon worshiping practices to students. Lasty, while emotions got heated, there were still upper stars that felt that this bill should be wrapped up quickly.
“It is not the spirit of OIL to break each other down.We are not having constructive conversation and amending the bill,” said Rodriguez (ORU).