ACLU Files Lawsuit To Block Funding Of First Religious Public Charter School

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against the state’s Virtual Charter School Board to keep the state from funding the nation's first religious public charter school.

The state virtual charter school board approved the school's application last month.

The nine plaintiffs being represented by the ACLU are asking the Oklahoma County District Court to block St. Isidore of Seville to operate as a charter school. They also want to keep the state from entering into any contracts or funding the school.

Related Stories:

1. Oklahoma’s Religious Charter School Approval Garnering Legal Pushback
2. Oklahoma Board Approves 1st Religious Charter School In U.S. With 3-2 Vote

The Virtual Charter School Board gave the green light for funding with a 3-2 vote June 5, but it has faced backlash ever since.

Now, this new lawsuit said the school will violate the Oklahoma Constitution by discriminating against students and families based on religion and LGBTQ+ status. It goes on to say it will indoctrinate students in Catholic religious beliefs.

Last week, the Virtual Charter School Board voted to secure legal counsel.

News 9 reached out to the board for comment, and the executive director said they will not comment on pending litigation.