Breaking: Supreme Court rules on Oklahoma's religious charter school request
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The Supreme Court affirms the Oklahoma Supreme Court's decision to block a religious public charter school.
The vote was a four-to-four tie with one justice recusing themself. Only eight of the nine justices took part in the case.
Oklahoma AG calling on OK Supreme Court to put an end to what would be the nation's first state-funded religious school
According to the Associated Press, the outcome keeps in place an Oklahoma court decision that invalidated a vote by a state charter school board to approve the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, which would have been the nation's first religious charter school. But it leaves the issue unresolved nationally.
Officials say the issue could return to the high court in the future, with the prospect that all nine justices could participate.
'It's dangerous': Mixed reaction follows OK Supreme Court religious charter school ruling
'This 4-4 tie is a non-decision. Now we're in overtime. There will be another case just like this one and Justice Barrett will break the tie. This is far from a settled issue. We are going to keep fighting for parents' rights to instill their values in their children and against religious discrimination.' said Governor Kevin Stitt regarding the decision.
The Oklahoma Parent Legislative Action Committee also responded Thursday.
'Today, we're celebrating a huge victory for students, taxpayers, religious people, and democracy. The Supreme Court's decision upholds the Oklahoma Supreme Court's ruling that taxpayer funding of a religious public school is unconstitutional. The parents of OKPLAC were proud to be the original plaintiff in this case and we are thrilled with this long-awaited outcome.' said OKPLAC Chairwoman Misty Bradley.
'The Supreme Court's decision represents a resounding victory for religious liberty and for the foundational principles that have guided our nation since its founding. This ruling ensures that Oklahoma taxpayers will not be forced to fund radical Islamic schools, while protecting the religious rights of families to choose any school they wish for their children.
I have always maintained that we must faithfully uphold the Constitution, even when it requires us to make difficult decisions. I will continue upholding the law, protecting our Christian values, and defending religious liberty—regardless of how difficult the battle may be.'
Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Attorney General
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