Christian character school blocked by court in USA's Oklahoma, sparks debate
The Oklahoma Parent Legislative Advocacy Coalition (OKPLAC) filed a lawsuit, backed by the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation. They argued the school violated laws separating religion and public education.STATE SUPREME COURT STEPS INIn June 2025, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that taxpayer support for a religious school was unconstitutional under state law. The decision said public funds could not be used for religious instruction.The school and the charter board appealed the ruling to the US Supreme Court. But the court split 4-4, which meant the lower court's decision stood.LAWSUIT WITHDRAWN, BUT DEBATE CONTINUESAfter the Supreme Court deadlock, OKPLAC withdrew its case. Its chair, Misty Bradley, said the outcome protected public schools and taxpayers. 'We are grateful to those who stood with us,' she said, thanking Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond for supporting the lawsuit.Daniel Mach from the ACLU added, 'Public schools must remain secular and open to all, regardless of faith.'OPPOSITION FROM THE GOVERNORGovernor Kevin Stitt, who backed the school, was not satisfied with the result. He called the court's tie 'a non-decision' and said the issue is not settled.He believes another case could come before the Supreme Court with all nine justices, which might lead to a different outcome.WHAT IT MEANS GOING FORWARDThe case has become a key moment in the national debate over funding religious charter schools. While Oklahoma's ruling blocks taxpayer-funded religious education for now, the issue is far from closed.If more states try to fund similar schools, new legal battles could shape how public education and religious instruction intersect in the future.- Ends
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