Justices appeared sharply divided along ideological lines. The liberal justices expressed skepticism about the argument that excluding religious entities from the state’s charter school program amounts to discrimination. Conservative justices, on the other hand, appeared more receptive to the claim that religious groups should be allowed to participate if they meet the same criteria as other applicants.
I do not agree with the idea that the state needs to be funding any aspect of education. But it does fund education, and so we have arrived at the question of whether or not the state should fund a Catholic charter school.
I attended public schools, but I am a Roman Catholic, and I understand that the Church-run schools are infinitely better than our public school system. It would be great if more of my fellow Oklahomans could receive a superior education. But how much control of this school would the Church have if the government funds it? What sacrifices will have to be made?
I tend to agree with the governor’s reasoning, but this issue may prove to be can of worms.