Oklahoma attorney general sues to block funding for Catholic charter school

In Oklahoma, a significant case emerged that pits the state's Republican Attorney General Gentner Drummond against members of his own party over a proposed charter school. In June 2023, the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board approved the establishment of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, which seeks to operate as the country's first Catholic public charter school with public funding beginning in the fall of 2024. However, Drummond contends that allowing state funds to support a religious charter school would violate both state and federal laws concerning the separation of church and state. Following the approval, Drummond initiated a lawsuit in October 2023 against the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board, arguing that taxpayer dollars should not be allocated to a religious institution. Oklahoma's Supreme Court subsequently ruled in favor of Drummond’s position, citing that public funds cannot be used for what it deemed religious indoctrination. Supporters of the school advocate for school choice, emphasizing that parents should have the freedom to educate their children according to their religious values and beliefs. They argue that the potential funding for St. Isidore would enhance educational opportunities in the community. Although the case is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, various Republican senators have publicly rallied behind the charter school, asserting that denying funding to a religious organization infringes on First Amendment rights. Their amicus brief argues that the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act's exclusion of religious institutions sets a troubling precedent that could undermine the role of religious organizations in public endeavors. Furthermore, they assert that the law could disallow the contributions that such organizations bring to society. The upcoming Supreme Court hearing scheduled for April 30 could result in a landmark decision concerning the intersection of education, religious liberty, and government funding. The outcome is expected to have significant implications for religious schools and charter systems across the nation, potentially setting precedents that resonate well beyond Oklahoma. As this case unfolds, both supporters and opponents continue to engage in vigorous public discourse around these pivotal issues.