House Democratic Leaders Respond to Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board Decision to Allow Taxpayer Funded Catholic Schools
“I view the recent vote by the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board allowing public funding to support a religious charter school as a piece in the defunding public education puzzle. We are yet again engaging in subjects that will be contested in court. Money spent on lawsuits is money that won’t be appropriated to public education. Oklahomans deserve better,” House Democratic Caucus Chair Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater said.
“The very thing the architects of our Oklahoma and US Constitutions were careful in their wording to guard against has happened. No matter your religious beliefs, the actions taken Monday should cause great concern by all. Those in charge and pushing this agenda will have created the first state-sponsored religious educational institution. How to believe should be left up to families- not schools. These are dangerous times,” said Assistant House Democratic Leader Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa.
“Our public schools are meant to serve all children from all walks of life, religious beliefs and backgrounds. This decision creates the very scenario its proponents decry- religious discrimination of the highest order,” Rep. Provenzano said.
“It is a gross infringement on the religious freedom of Oklahoma taxpayers to take their tax dollars to fund religious instruction with which they may disagree,” said House Democratic Floor Leader Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City.
“It is quite disappointing to see Republican leaders, who have been celebrated for their investment in public education, turn their backs on 90% of Oklahoma families who choose public schools,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City said.
“Removing and appointing a member of the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board in an effort to divert public taxpayer dollars to fund religious schools that will discriminate against students and staff members highlights the Republican supermajority’s priority this legislative session – using public dollars to fund private schools.” Leader Munson said.
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