Supreme Court rejects taxpayer-funded virtual religious charter school

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided against the establishment of a taxpayer-funded virtual religious charter school, maintaining the decision of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. This ruling aligns with the separation of church and state principles. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) had previously filed an amicus brief in two related cases.

Randi Weingarten, President of AFT, commented on the court's decision: “Today, the court let the decision of the Oklahoma Supreme Court stand, which correctly upheld the separation of church and state and backed the founders’ intention to place religious pluralism over sectarianism. And we are grateful that it upheld the state’s highest court’s clear and unambiguous ruling to preserve and nurture the roots of our democracy, not tear up its very foundations."

Weingarten emphasized respect for religious education but maintained that it should remain distinct from public schooling. She stated: “We respect and honor religious education. It should be separate from public schooling. Public schools, including public charter schools, are funded by taxpayer dollars because they are dedicated to helping all—not just some—children have a shot at success."

She further elaborated on why religious schools should not receive public funding: “Religious schools should be able to operate in the U.S., however today the court decided that they are not public schools, and that they shouldn’t be able to receive benefits and funding without obligations and responsibilities.”

This statement was issued by Randi Weingarten along with Fedrick C. Ingram, Secretary-Treasurer, and Evelyn DeJesus, Executive Vice President of AFT.