NEA files court brief opposing religious charter school funding

The National Education Association (NEA), together with a coalition of education groups, has filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the cases of Oklahoma Charter School Board v. Drummond and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond. These cases are to be reviewed by the Court during its current term.

The core issue is whether Oklahoma's decision to authorize the country's first religious public charter school contradicts state and federal law. The NEA and its allies argue that a ruling in favor of religious charter schools could have significant implications for the existing framework under which charter schools are defined and regulated in the United States. Currently, 46 states and the District of Columbia have similar programs, all requiring charter schools to provide a nonsectarian education.

NEA President Becky Pringle emphasized, “Every student—no matter where they live, what they look like, or their religion—deserves access to a fully-funded neighborhood public school that gives them a sense of belonging and prepares them with the lessons and life skills they need to follow their dreams and reach their full potential.” She warned that funding religious charter schools with taxpayer money could endanger both public education and religious freedom.

The legal challenge originated from a petition by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, which was in opposition to the charter granted to St. Isidore. Oklahoma educators support his stance. Cari Elledge, leading the Oklahoma Education Association, stated, "Requiring Oklahoma to fund religious doctrine in charter school programs diminishes funding for classroom resources, educator salaries, and other supports our students need."

The NEA highlighted the potential impact nationwide, stressing that public schools are essential for over 90% of American students. According to Pringle, "The Supreme Court must not radically depart from the universal legal consensus that public schools, including charter schools, must welcome all students, be accountable to the public, and remain nonsectarian."

The Supreme Court is set to hear the arguments for these cases on April 30.

Further information can be found by following NEA on Bluesky or visiting their official website.