Supreme Court to Rule on Oklahoma Religious Charter School Case
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a landmark case concerning the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, an Oklahoma religious charter school, just days after President Donald Trump was sworn into office. The case could have major implications for the separation of church and state in public education.
Legal Battle Over Religious Charter Schools
The case stems from an Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling that blocked the school from opening, declaring its contract with the state’s charter school board unconstitutional under both state and federal law. The decision split state Republican leaders, with some supporting religious charter schools as a matter of school choice and others concerned about constitutional violations.
Push for Supreme Court Review
The case has attracted support from conservative legal organizations and officials from eight Republican-led states, who are urging the high court to overturn the Oklahoma ruling. They argue that barring religious charter schools is an unfair restriction on religious liberty and school choice.
Critics, however, warn that allowing publicly funded religious schools would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits government endorsement of religion.
Justice Barrett to Recuse Herself
The Supreme Court will decide the case with eight justices, as Justice Amy Coney Barrett has recused herself without providing a reason. Her absence could result in a 4-4 deadlock, which would leave the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling in place and block the school’s opening.
Broader Implications
This case represents a major test for the conservative-majority court, which has previously ruled in favor of expanding religious rights in public spaces. A ruling in favor of St. Isidore could pave the way for similar religious charter schools nationwide, potentially reshaping the public education system.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments later this year, with a decision likely in 2025.