Supreme Court is set to hear a pivotal case that could redefine the boundaries between church and state, as it considers whether religious institutions should receive public funding through charter school programs. The case , originating from Oklahoma, involves St. Isidore of Seville, an online Catholic school that applied to become a publicly funded charter school. Drummond argued that the approval violated state and federal laws prohibiting government funding of religious institutions.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court sided with the attorney general, ruling that since charter schools are classified as public schools in Oklahoma, allowing a religious charter school would effectively mean the government is funding religious education. The court's decision was based on the principle of separation of church and state, which is rooted in the First Amendment of the U.
However, St. Isidore and the charter school board contend that the ruling infringes on religious freedom rights by excluding religious organizations from public benefits. The case now moves to the U. Supreme Court, where eight justices will decide its outcome. Notably, Justice Amy Coney Barrett has recused herself from the case without providing a reason. The court's decision could set a significant national precedent regarding the eligibility of religious organizations for public funds through charter school programs.
While the case is unprecedented, past rulings on the separation of church and state may offer some insight. In a similar case, Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer , the Supreme Court ruled that Missouri violated religious freedom by denying a church-run preschool access to a public grant for playground resurfacing solely because it was a religious institution.
However, the distinction in the St. Isidore case lies in the classification of charter schools as public schools, not private entities receiving public funds. The Supreme Court's decision will be closely watched, as it could have far-reaching implications for the future of religious charter schools in the U. Tue, 04 Feb GMT Story Infinite Scroll - News3 v1. Hurricane Tracker. Game Center. Now Wed Thu Fact Check Team: Supreme Court case: religious freedom vs.
