Debate Revived Over Virtual Jewish Charter School in Oklahoma

Jan 14, 2026, 2:50 AM

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A group is seeking approval to establish a virtual Jewish charter school in Oklahoma, reigniting the contentious debate over the legality of religious public schools. The proposed Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School aims to integrate Jewish religious studies with Oklahoma's academic standards, a move that has drawn both support and opposition from various stakeholders in the state.

Peter Deutsch, the founder of the Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School, presented the application to the Oklahoma Charter School Board, asserting that there is a demand for a faith-based educational option among Oklahoma families. "We believe we have submitted an outstanding application, and we ask that the board approve the application," Deutsch stated.

The proposal comes in the wake of a 2023 ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which determined that a proposed Catholic virtual charter school violated both state and federal constitutions. This ruling was upheld by a 4-4 deadlock in the US Supreme Court, following Justice Amy Coney Barrett's recusal due to personal ties to the case. The Ben Gamla initiative is seen as an attempt to navigate around these legal obstacles, with plans to challenge any potential rejection in federal court.

The legal team representing Ben Gamla, led by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, is prepared to argue that denying funding to religious charter schools constitutes discrimination. "The state giving funding to secular charter schools, but not religious ones, amounts to discrimination," said Eric Baxter, an attorney for the school. The proposed school would initially enroll around 40 students and is expected to open in the 2026-27 school year.

Local Jewish leaders have expressed concern over the proposal, stating that they were not consulted before the application was submitted. Rabbi Daniel Kaiman of Congregation B'nai Emunah in Tulsa voiced his surprise at learning about the initiative through media reports rather than from the organizers themselves. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good relationships within the community and questioned the necessity of a new charter school given the existing educational offerings for Jewish students in Oklahoma.

The Ben Gamla proposal is part of a broader trend where religious groups are seeking to establish charter schools that incorporate faith-based education. This movement has gained momentum following recent Supreme Court rulings that have opened the door for public funding of religious institutions. However, organizations like Americans United for Separation of Church and State have vowed to oppose such initiatives, arguing that they undermine the principle of church-state separation.

The Oklahoma Charter School Board is set to review the application next month, and the outcome could have significant implications for the future of religious education in the state. If the board denies the application, the legal battle is expected to escalate, potentially leading to a landmark case that could redefine the boundaries of religious education in public schools.

As the debate unfolds, the Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School's proposal highlights the complexities surrounding educational choice, religious freedom, and the role of government in funding religious institutions. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for similar initiatives across the country, as advocates for religious education continue to seek ways to integrate faith into public schooling.

The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders from various sides of the debate are closely monitoring developments. The decision by the Oklahoma Charter School Board will be pivotal in determining the future of the proposed Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School and the broader implications for religious education in public schools nationwide.

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