Amid the legal struggle over the funding of religious charter schools, Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt has aligned with a coalition in support of the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Charter School. This group, which includes over 50 elected officials, religious groups, and educational advocates, submitted amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court for the upcoming case of Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond.

The heart of the dispute is whether public funds can be used to support a religious charter school like St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, as interpreted under the First Amendment. "The State of Oklahoma is steadfast in her support of religious liberty for all and an innovative educational system that expands choice for all," Governor Stitt expressed in a statement provided by Oklahoma's official government website. He goes on to emphasize that children are the state's greatest asset, saying, "Oklahoma’s greatest asset isn’t our oil and gas – it’s not our football teams – it’s not the aerospace and defense industry. It’s our kids."

In the lead-up to a Supreme Court decision, the case has drawn national attention from those interested in the boundaries between church, state, and education. Supporters of St. Isidore argue that the case represents an opportunity to uphold educational freedom and parental choice within the confines of the Constitution. Opponents, however, raise concerns about the precedent that might be set with taxpayer dollars funding educational institutions affiliated with a specific religious doctrine.

As this case prepares for its moment in the high court, the alignment of political leaders like Stitt with educational and religious organizations signals a significant moment in the ongoing debate regarding religious liberty and the public funding of education. With the submission of amicus briefs, these bodies insist that their argument is not only about the choice but the constitutional right to practice religious freedom in a broad range of societal arenas, including charter schools. The eventual ruling by the Supreme Court has the potential to impact the landscape of publicly funded education across the United States.