Legislative tracking and reports from educational policy organizations.

Supreme Court to Hear Case on Nation's First Publicly-Funded Religious Charter School in Oklahoma

Jan 24, 2025, 09:55 PM

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case regarding the establishment of the nation's first publicly-funded religious charter school in Oklahoma. The case involves the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, which was approved by the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is challenging the school's approval, arguing it violates the separation of church and state. Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters described the Supreme Court's decision as a historic moment for religious liberty and parental choice in education, stating that it could end state-sponsored atheism and ensure families have the freedom to choose faith-based education. The Supreme Court's decision to take up this case could have significant implications for the boundary between church and state and the funding of religious schools. The case will be heard during the Court's current term, with Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused.