WASHINGTON—The U.S. Supreme Court today handed down a 4-4 ruling in Oklahoma Charter School Board v. Drummond and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond, affirming the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s decision that authorizing religious charter schools violates the Oklahoma state constitution, the state charter school statute, and the U.S. Constitution. The National Education Association joined a broad-based coalition of education groups in filing an amicus brief in the case and was on hand for oral arguments.
“Educators and parents know that student success depends on more resources in our public schools, not less. Yet for too long, we have seen anti-public education forces attempt to deprive public school students of necessary funding and support,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “We are gratified that the Supreme Court did not take the radical step of upending public education by requiring states to have religious charter schools.”
“Our public schools and educators work tirelessly to meet the needs of each student despite the challenges placed on them by elected officials,” said Cari Elledge, a fifth-grade teacher who serves as president of the Oklahoma Education Association. “Requiring Oklahoma to fund religious doctrine in charter school programs would have diminished funding for classroom resources, educator salaries, and other supports our students need. Funneling funding meant for all to only a select few would have harmed our students and our public schools.”
Requiring taxpayers to fund religious charter schools would have extended far beyond Oklahoma’s borders and could have caused irreparable harm to public schools everywhere.
“Americans have consistently rejected taking public funds away from our public schools—where 90% of our students attend—and today, the Supreme Court agreed,” added Pringle.
To find out more about how to protect public education, visit www.nea.org/vouchers
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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
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