Steve Fair On June 5, Oklahoma became the first state in the country to approve a religious charter school. The 3-2 vote will allow St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual Charter School’s application to receive Oklahoma tax dollars. Immediately after the vote, Dr. Robert Franklin, the board chairman, resigned. Franklin said those who voted to approve did so in direct violation of the state constitution. Gov. Kevin Stitt applauded the approval, calling it a win for religious and education freedom. Attorney General Gentner Drummond said the move was unconstitutional and a blow at the heart of religious liberty. Drummond vowed to challenge the school board’s decision in court. So did Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a liberal think tank. Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters urged the board to approve and believes their action gives parents more choices in their child’s education. Three observations: First, government money always comes with strings. While St. Isidore may get tax dollars, with those funds comes the long arm of government. Many religious private schools understand that and do not/will not accept government money because they do not want government poking its unwanted nose into their business. With tax […]
Click here to view original article www.tahlequahdailypress.com