NCJW Relieved That the First Amendment Has Prevailed in Oklahoma Statewide Charter v. Drummond

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, May 22, 2025
PRESS CONTACT: press@ncjw.org

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) — one of the nation’s leading Jewish feminist civil rights organizations, representing 250,000 advocates from across the country — has released the following statement in response to the US Supreme Court’s decision in Oklahoma Statewide Charter v. Drummond:

“Today, the Supreme Court announced that, on a 4-4 tie vote, the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling in the Oklahoma Statewide Charter v. Drummond case will stand. Justice Amy Coney Barrett had recused herself from this case, leaving only eight justices to decide,” said Darcy Hirsh, NCJW Senior Director of Government Relations and Advocacy. “The Oklahoma Supreme Court got it right: the Catholic school that sought to be recognized as the state’s first religious charter school was ineligible. We are relieved that the Court has upheld the strict separation of religion and state. Charter schools are public schools and taxpayer funds should not be used to promote one religion over another. No doubt this issue will return in some form to the Supreme Court one day, but for now, the First Amendment has prevailed.”

“National Council of Jewish Women has long worked for the separation of religion and state — a foundational principle that has allowed religious life, including Jewish life, to flourish in this country. We joined a brief in this case with other faith organizations, and are heartened by this outcome. NCJW’s 250,000 advocates remain committed to ensuring public education serves all children, free from religious coercion.”

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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a 132-year-old Jewish feminist civil rights organization working for equity and justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel. Through the efforts of our 250,000 grassroots advocates and 48 local sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to affect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels. We approach our work through the intersections of gender, economic, and racial justice to center those most impacted in a uniquely Jewish way. Learn more at NCJW.org, and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.