Supreme Court Rejects Taxpayer-Funded Religious Charter School

Supreme Court Decision on Religious Charter School Funding

WASHINGTON—In a significant decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has opted not to support the establishment of a taxpayer-funded virtual religious charter school, reinforcing the principle of separation between church and state. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) had actively participated in this case, submitting an amicus brief in the related cases before the court.

AFT President Randi Weingarten expressed approval of the decision, stating, “Today, the court let the decision of the Oklahoma Supreme Court stand, which correctly upheld the separation of church and state and backed the founders’ intention to place religious pluralism over sectarianism. And we are grateful that it upheld the state’s highest court’s clear and unambiguous ruling to preserve and nurture the roots of our democracy, not tear up its very foundations.”

Weingarten emphasized the importance of keeping religious education distinct from public schooling. She highlighted the role of public schools, including charter schools, as institutions funded by taxpayer money to benefit all children. “Public schools, including public charter schools, are funded by taxpayer dollars because they are dedicated to helping all—not just some—children have a shot at success. They are the bedrock of our democracy, and states have long worked to ensure that they remain secular, open and accessible to all,” she remarked.

While acknowledging the right of religious schools to operate, Weingarten noted that the court's decision affirms that these institutions do not qualify as public schools and should not receive public funding without corresponding obligations. “Religious schools should be able to operate in the U.S., however today the court decided that they are not public schools, and that they shouldn’t be able to receive benefits and funding without obligations and responsibilities,” she stated.

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The AFT is known for representing 1.8 million individuals, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.