DOGE ‘doesn’t exist’ with eight months left on its charter, and the echoes of this claim reverberate with a certain chilling resonance. It’s a statement that, in the context of certain discussions, becomes less about the literal absence of a thing and more about the perceived end of an era, the fading of a presence that once loomed large. The assertion, it seems, arises from a complex narrative, a story interwoven with accusations of data theft, regulatory interference, and the potential for long-term damage, all of which culminate in a picture of an entity whose core purpose may have been fulfilled.… Continue reading
Due to a shortage of buses and drivers, coupled with the mandate to transport private and charter school students, Dayton, Ohio public school districts face transportation challenges. Consequently, students, such as those in Dayton, are left without school-provided transportation, leading to increased reliance on costly alternatives or potentially dangerous public transit. This situation stems from Ohio’s law requiring public schools to transport private and charter school students, alongside the broader push by conservative politicians for increased private school enrollment, funded by taxpayer money. This has sparked controversy, with public school officials arguing that it diverts resources from their own students, while some politicians cite safety concerns on public transit.
Read More
The Supreme Court issued a brief, unexpected ruling affirming a lower court decision regarding Oklahoma’s use of public funds for a religious charter school. An equally divided court—with Justice Barrett recused—prevented a definitive outcome. Justice Barrett’s recusal, unexplained but potentially due to her close friendship with a key advisor to the school, resulted in a tie. This leaves the lower court’s decision in place, with the matter unresolved for the time being.
Read More
The Supreme Court heard two cases with significant implications for public education. The first case, *Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond*, concerns whether Oklahoma must fund a religious charter school, potentially overturning the state’s mandate for secular public charter schools. The second case, *Mahmoud v. Taylor*, addresses whether religious parents can exempt their children from lessons conflicting with their beliefs, potentially granting religious parents curriculum veto power. Conservative justices showed a willingness to expand religious influence in public schools, potentially leading to the widespread integration of religious instruction and the restriction of certain topics. This could fundamentally alter the nature of public education in the United States.
Read More
The Supreme Court heard arguments regarding St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, Oklahoma’s first publicly funded religious charter school, after the state supreme court blocked it citing First Amendment concerns. The case hinges on whether taxpayer funding of the school violates the Establishment Clause or is protected under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. A decision allowing public funding could significantly impact charter school regulations nationwide and has sparked debate among Oklahoma’s Republican leadership. Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself.
Read More
As an individual who values the principles of the separation between church and state, I was pleasantly surprised to hear about the recent ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court declaring publicly funded religious charter schools unconstitutional. This decision reflects a commitment to upholding the core values of our constitution, which clearly prohibits the use of taxpayer funds to support religious institutions.
The idea of publicly funded religious schools raises significant concerns about the misuse of public funds for promoting specific religious beliefs. Education is a fundamental aspect of society, and it should be free from any form of religious indoctrination. While individuals have the right to practice their religious beliefs privately, it is crucial to maintain a secular education system that caters to the diverse population of our country.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker