Statement from Robert Kim, Education Law Center Executive Director, on today’s decision in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond:
We are very pleased the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the decisive holding of the Oklahoma Supreme Court that it is unlawful and unconstitutional for the state to establish a religious public charter school. We must continue to work hard at the federal, state and local levels, among policymakers and the public, to ensure religious schools remain separate from our public education systems. This is essential not only to preserve our nation’s foundational principle of church-state separation, but also to maintain public schools that are free, transparent and accountable, and open to all children without any form of discrimination.
ELC is co-counsel for the plaintiffs in a parallel case, OKPLAC v. Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board, which was put on hold awaiting this outcome. We are proud to stand with those across the country working to preserve our public school systems and our core democratic values.
More information is available here:
Oklahomans File Lawsuit To Stop State From Sponsoring Nation’s First Religious Charter School
Press Contact:
Sharon Krengel
Director of Policy, Strategic Partnerships and Communications
skrengel@edlawcenter.org
973-624-1815, x240