OKLAHOMA CITY – An interim study by Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, and Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow, to examine God in the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Pledge of Allegiance in Oklahoma public and private schools has been approved.

"It is well-noted that our nation's founders were devoted to godly principles as they established a new system of government and way of life," McDugle said. "They relied heavily on their relationship with the Lord, and yet there's been a move recently to remove God from the public forum. We want to have a robust discussion about the importance of acknowledging the Lord when discussing our nation's founding."

Banning said our country's biblical beliefs started being exhibited centuries ago to include the 1820 concept of the National Monument to the Forefathers.

"Our nation's founding documents and our Pledge of Allegiance has inspired generations of Americans in devotion to both their country and to God as their creator," Banning said. "It's important that there is a set-aside space for faith in a school environment, if a student so chooses."

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill into law that added the words "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance. Banning said the inclusion of 'God' in the Pledge of Allegiance reinforces our nation's commitment to its religious heritage, values, and the belief that our rights and freedoms are rooted in something greater than ourselves.

Banning and McDugle's study, IS23-003, is assigned to the House Common Education Committee. Interim studies can begin Aug. 7 and must conclude by Nov. 16.