Controversy Surrounds Oklahoma's First Publicly Funded Religious Charter School

Oklahoma has approved the establishment of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School as an online public charter school, making it America's first publicly funded religious charter school. The approval has sparked controversy, with some arguing that it violates Oklahoma's constitution and America's First Amendment, while others argue that charter schools are not government schools and should be allowed to exercise their religious freedom. The school is projected to cost Oklahoma taxpayers $25.7 million over its first five years of operation and will serve 500 K-12 students in its first year, eventually building up to 1,500.