Oklahoma AG Sues State Board Over Jewish Charter School Application

Drummond accuses charter school oversight board of mishandling religious school application

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:04am

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Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has filed a lawsuit against the statewide governing board overseeing charter schools, accusing the board of mishandling the application for a Jewish charter school in the state.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between religious groups and state education authorities over the approval of charter schools with religious affiliations. It also reflects the broader debate around the separation of church and state in the public education system.

The details

Drummond alleges that the Statewide Charter School Board improperly denied the application for the Jewish charter school, citing concerns over the school's religious curriculum and practices. The attorney general argues that the board overstepped its authority and violated the religious freedom of the applicants.

  • Drummond filed the lawsuit against the Statewide Charter School Board on Wednesday afternoon.

The players

Gentner Drummond

The Attorney General of Oklahoma who has filed the lawsuit against the Statewide Charter School Board.

Statewide Charter School Board

The governing body in Oklahoma that oversees the approval and operation of charter schools in the state.

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What they’re saying

“The Statewide Charter School Board has once again demonstrated its unwillingness to fairly consider applications from religious schools, despite their clear legal right to exist.”

— Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Attorney General

What’s next

The court will now consider Drummond's lawsuit and determine whether the Statewide Charter School Board acted improperly in denying the Jewish charter school application.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the role of religion in public education and the delicate balance between religious freedom and state oversight of charter schools. The outcome could set an important precedent for how such applications are evaluated in the future.