Oklahoma Board Again Rejects Jewish Charter School

Oklahoma’s Statewide Charter School Board again rejected the Ben Gamla Jewish online charter school, with a 4-3 vote falling one short of the five approvals required. The decision came after a federal judge ruled that the state could not exclude a proposed charter school solely because it is religious, leaving the board’s rejection open to further legal challenge; board attorneys warned the vote could put the board in contempt of court. Opponents, including local Jewish leaders, have cited limited community support and concerns about the application, while one board member said that opposition influenced his vote. Ben Gamla may submit a revised application, but the setback pauses its effort to establish a publicly funded religious school and pursue a broader legal precedent.