Supreme Court Weighs Oklahoma Religious Charter School

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether Oklahoma's St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School can become the nation's first taxpayer-funded religious charter school. The case hinges on whether charter schools are public or private institutions, with implications for the First Amendment's Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses. Conservative justices seem receptive to arguments that excluding religious schools from public funding is discriminatory, while liberal justices express concern about public finances supporting religious indoctrination. The case has generated significant debate among Oklahomans, religious leaders, and legal experts. Justice Amy Coney Barrett has recused herself, raising the possibility that a split decision would result in the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling—declaring the religious charter unconstitutional—remaining in effect. A decision from the Supreme Court is expected later this year and could have national impact on charter school and church-state policies.