The Supreme Court of Oklahoma ruled Tuesday that St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School is unconstitutional and ordered its closure.
KOCO News 5 reported that the ruling mandates the shutdown of the nation's first religious charter school, which was set to open for the 2024-25 school year in Oklahoma City.
The school, sponsored by the Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, was intended to evangelize the Catholic faith while receiving public funding.
Oklahoma statutes, the Oklahoma Constitution, and the Establishment Clause were cited in the court's decision, which stated that publicly funded charter schools must remain nonsectarian.
According to the court's ruling, “This State's establishment of a religious charter school violates Oklahoma statutes, the Oklahoma Constitution, and the Establishment Clause. St. Isidore cannot justify its creation by invoking Free Exercise rights as a religious entity.”
The Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board approved the contract for St. Isidore in June 2023.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond initially filed the lawsuit against the school last year. Drummond argued that the establishment of the school was in violation of both state and federal laws, an assertion the court agreed with.
In response to the ruling, Drummond said, “This decision is a tremendous victory for religious liberty. The framers of both the U.S. Constitution and Oklahoma’s Constitution clearly understood how best to protect religious freedom: by preventing the State from sponsoring any religion at all.”
Applications for enrollment at St. Isidore opened in March, and hundreds of students had already enrolled before the court's decision. These students and their families had anticipated the educational experience that the virtual school promised to provide.
Archbishop Paul Coakley of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Bishop David Konderla of the Diocese of Tulsa voiced their disappointment: “Today's ruling is very disappointing for the hundreds of prospective students and their families from across the state of Oklahoma who desired the educational experience and promise of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. We will consider all legal options and remain steadfast in our belief that St. Isidore would have and could still be a valuable asset to students, regardless of socioeconomic, race or faith backgrounds.”
The court's directive to the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board was clear: the contract with St. Isidore must be rescinded immediately. The majority opinion, decided by six justices, was emphatic about the need for the school to function separately from state sponsorship due to its religious nature.
“This ruling underscores the importance of maintaining a clear separation between church and state, particularly within the educational system,” the court reasoned. The decision has clearly drawn a line, reinforcing strict adherence to nonsectarian guidelines for publicly funded schools.
State Superintendent Ryan Walters had strong words for the court's decision, calling it “one of the worst rulings our Supreme Court has had.” Walters expressed concern for parents seeking more educational options within the state.
“Parents of Oklahoma have been very clear. They want more options. They need to provide this for them,” Walters stated. The sentiment reflects broader concerns about educational choices and availability for families in Oklahoma.
The implications of the court's ruling are wide-reaching, touching upon legal, educational, and community dynamics within Oklahoma and potentially setting a precedent for similar future cases in other states. The court's emphasis on the constitutionality of state-sponsored religious institutions reinforces a foundational principle of the separation of church and state.
The ruling has sparked a dialogue about the place of religious institutions within publicly funded spaces and raises questions about how such establishments can navigate existing legal frameworks.
As the Archdiocese considers its legal options, there remains a significant focus on the impacted students and their academic futures. Alternative educational plans for these students will need to be developed swiftly to ensure continuity in their education.
The case also signifies a notable judicial interpretation of the Establishment Clause and its application in modern educational settings. Observers and stakeholders will be watching closely as any potential appeals or related legal movements unfold.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled that St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School is unconstitutional, mandating its closure before it could open for the 2024-25 school year.
The ruling highlighted the necessity for public charter schools to be nonsectarian and underscored the importance of separating church and state.
The decision impacts hundreds of students and ignites further discussions on religious liberty and educational options within the state. Attorney General Drummond called it a victory for religious freedom, while disappointed church leaders consider their next steps.
