The Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board voted last week to approve an application for a Catholic Charter virtual school that would create the first publicly funded religious charter school in the nation.
The board voted 3-2 to approve the application, even though it’s constitutionality was debated, is questioned and immediately caused controversy.
It seems to us this blatantly unconstitutional mixing of state and church is not at all wise.
Oklahoma’s Attorney General Gentner Drummond quickly weighed in on the decision that most assuredly will be the subject of lawsuits.
He adamantly stated the decision was unconstitutional and legal action will likely follow if a contract for the school is signed.
“The approval of any publicly funded religious school is contrary to Oklahoma law and not in the best interest of taxpayers,” he said.
“It’s extremely disappointing that board members violated their oath in order to fund religious schools with our tax dollars. In doing so, these members have exposed themselves and the state to potential legal action that could be costly.”
Oklahoma’s Gov. Kevin Stitt agreed with the decision, calling it a win for religious liberty and education freedom.
The governor is way off track and egregiously wrong in supporting such an unprecedented decision.
He should be more focused on our public schools and their needs rather than on an issue that appears contrary to state law.
While private education plays a role in our state, we believe it should be funded by private dollars as it has been throughout the history of Oklahoma. There is no need to be providing public funds for private education as this decision would do.
The Charter School Board members who voted for this have opened a can of worms. Their vote to approve the application for the St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Catholic Charter School that would be administered by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa opens up the door for any and all other religious institutions to do the same.
St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Charter Schools reportedly would be an online public school that we’ve never even heard of until this ludicrous decision was made.
This proposed school reportedly is now required to submit its approved application, a contract and other documents to the Oklahoma Department of Education to finalize the process.
In essence, a contract must be approved by the State Board of Education.
We strongly encourage that board to reject any contract which would be contrary to state law and avert this unprecedented action which is sure to open up the state to legal action for a long time.
Print Page
Email to a Friend