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Ben Gamla's Request for Charter School in Oklahoma Denied
The 4-3 vote leaves Ben Gamla short of approval as litigation continues over whether Oklahoma can bar a charter school for its religion.
- On Monday, the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City rejected the Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School application in a 4-3 vote, failing to reach the five-vote majority required for approval.
- Federal District Judge David L. Russell ruled last month that excluding religious schools violates the First Amendment, prompting the board to reconsider its earlier denial of the application.
- Board member William Pearson cited lack of parental support and opposition letters from the local Jewish community in voting against the school. Chairperson Brian Shellem, who favored it, called the outcome "a welcome to the rollercoaster ride."
- Attorney A.J. Ferate suggested the board could face contempt motions following the vote. Brett Farley, a member of the school's founding board, called the rejection "a setback" but said the foundation is exploring appeal options.
- The Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation planned to open the school in August 2027, teaching both secular and religious subjects. The foundation continues assessing next steps following this unexpected rejection.
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10 Articles
10 Articles
Oklahoma rejected this Jewish charter school. Its founder insists it will open
Former Congressman Peter Deutsch calls the rejection a 'roadbump' in his effort to establish America's first religious public charter school. Local Jewish opponents see the proposal as a threat to church-state separation
·Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Center
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources are Center
62% Center
L 38%
C 62%
Factuality
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