Supreme Court to Decide on First Catholic Charter School in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, the state Supreme Court ruled in July that the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board could not authorize a charter for St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School due to its religious nature. This decision has sparked an appeal that is now part of a broader discussion on religious freedom cases awaiting consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court. The attorney general of Oklahoma, Gentner Drummond, who filed the original lawsuit, argued that allowing such a charter school would lead to taxpayer funding for various religious indoctrinations. This ruling has led to criticism from advocates of religious liberty, who argue that it discriminates against religious organizations. They cite recent Supreme Court decisions that support the inclusion of religious entities in public programs, emphasizing the need for consistent interpretation of religious liberty protections across lower courts. The appeal aims to reverse the state Supreme Court's decision, asserting that it violates constitutional protections for religious schools and families. The case has garnered attention as Oklahoma's educational policies increasingly reflect Christian values, with state officials advocating for the incorporation of religious teachings in public school curricula. The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for the future of religious charter schools in Oklahoma and potentially influence similar cases nationwide.