The US Supreme Court has blocked public funding for a proposed religious charter school in Oklahoma, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate over church-state separation. The 4-4 split decision leaves in place a ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court that barred the school from receiving public funds.
The case centered on St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Catholic Charter School, a proposed online institution operated by the Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa. It aimed to serve about 500 students from kindergarten through high school with a religious-based curriculum.
The school’s application had been approved by the Oklahoma State Virtual Charter School Board in 2023, granting it eligibility for around $23.3 million in state funding over five years. The decision sparked swift opposition, including a lawsuit filed by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond.
Drummond argued that using taxpayer dollars to fund a religious institution violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution. That amendment prohibits the government from establishing or endorsing any religion.
“This ruling ensures Oklahoma taxpayers will not be forced to fund radical Islamic schools, while protecting religious freedom,” Drummond said after the court’s decision. He described the outcome as a “victory for religious liberty and constitutional principles.”
The court’s decision is not a national precedent, as tie rulings simply uphold lower court decisions without establishing broader legal guidelines. Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself, and the Court offered no explanation or formal opinion—only a brief statement confirming the judgment.
Supporters of the school argued that the refusal to provide charter funding was discriminatory. In a statement, school officials expressed disappointment and said they were considering alternative ways to deliver virtual Catholic education statewide.
The Supreme Court blocks public funds for religious charter school at a time when charter schools are a growing focus of political and legal debate. While they represent a small part of the education system, they have gained strong backing from conservatives who support parental choice and less government control.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt supported the religious school’s approval, calling it a win for education freedom. However, Attorney General Drummond maintained the move risked opening the door to state funding for a variety of religious institutions, undermining the constitutional separation of church and state.
The Supreme Court blocks public funds for religious charter school following years of similar cases across the country. The ruling adds to legal uncertainty but affirms the longstanding principle that public funding should not support religious institutions.
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