School choice advocates are contesting the exclusion of St. Isidore Catholic School from Oklahoma's charter program, arguing it violates the Free Exercise Clause by denying religious schools the same public funding as secular ones. This case, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond, challenges the Oklahoma Supreme Court's decision to strike down a contract for the Catholic online school, claiming it breaches state and federal law. Proponents argue that excluding religious schools from charter programs constitutes unconstitutional discrimination, while opponents warn it could lead to government-endorsed religion. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide if religious charter schools should receive the same treatment as secular ones, potentially reshaping the boundaries between church and state in education. The ruling, expected by June, could have significant implications for charter school policies and religious liberty across the nation, as 45 states currently authorize charter schools.

Advocates for school choice argue that excluding St. Isidore Catholic School from Oklahoma's state-run charter program violates the Free Exercise Clause, as it discriminates against religious institutions by denying them the same public funding as secular schools.

The case, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond, questions the Oklahoma Supreme Court's ruling that a publicly funded Catholic online school violates both state and federal laws by receiving public funds.

Supporters of St. Isidore claim that the exclusion of religious schools from charter programs is unconstitutional, while opponents like Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond assert that using public funds for religious institutions could set a dangerous precedent for government-endorsed religion.

The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to determine whether religious charter schools should receive the same treatment and funding as secular ones, a decision that may redefine the separation between church and state in public education.

Charter schools are designed to offer curricula different from traditional public schools, with advocates arguing that the First Amendment's protection of free exercise permits religious charter schools to function without violating the Establishment Clause.

The case's outcome could have broad implications for charter school policy and religious liberty jurisprudence nationwide, affecting the 45 states that currently authorize charter schools.

Erika Donalds and other supporters believe this case could expand the 'free market of education', urging for equal access to high-quality educational options for families, regardless of a school's religious affiliation.