Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond is a critical case concerning educational freedom and religious liberty. At issue is whether Oklahoma can exclude religious schools from its charter school program solely because of their religious identity. St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School applied for and was approved as a charter school by the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board, which determined that the school met all eligibility requirements. However, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond challenged this decision, arguing that a religious school could not receive state charter funding. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in Drummond’s favor, ordering the cancellation of St. Isidore’s contract on the basis of its religious affiliation.
The Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, is now appealing that ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. The board argues that Oklahoma’s decision to exclude St. Isidore unconstitutionally discriminates against religious schools and families who desire faith-based education. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that when a state creates a public program and invites organizations to participate, it cannot exclude them simply because they are religious. Excluding faith-based schools from the charter program not only violates these legal principles but also undermines the very purpose of charter schools—to expand educational opportunities and provide families with more choices.
