Posted: June 7, 2023
It's one of the most egregious violations of the separation of church and state that we've seen yet: The state of Oklahoma just approved the nation's first religious charter school.
Following this decision, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School will be a public charter school -- not a private school -- funded directly by taxpayers, "with religious teachings embedded in the curriculum."
The separation of church and state is intended to protect both democracy and religion. When conservative politicians blur the lines, they not only risk putting the government in a position to meddle in church affairs; they also trample on the rights of Jewish, Muslim, and atheist Americans, as well as of progressive and moderate Christians.
Taxpayer dollars should not be used to spread religious doctrine -- yet what's happening in Oklahoma is part of a pattern. All across the country, MAGA Republicans are working overtime to undermine public education.
Christianity is about affirming the dignity and well-being of all people, not seizing power or public funds for ourselves. Let's show Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and his appointees on the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board that a nationwide movement of Christians are sick of seeing our faith twisted to support theocracy -- and we don't want churches put in charge of public institutions.
Sign the petition:
Love thy neighbor.