OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, and House Assistant Democratic Leader Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, released the following statements after a divided Supreme Court blocked the creation of the nation’s first religious charter school.

“The U.S. Constitution and Oklahoma Constitution were upheld today. As stated in both our state and U.S. Constitutions, Oklahomans across our state have demanded that public dollars stay in public schools, not religious or private schools. Oklahomans across our state have demanded that religious teaching stay in the home and responsibility of parents, not teachers. Today's decision is a win for taxpayers and religious freedom. Let’s get back to work on funding and protecting our public schools.”– House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City

“Today, our U.S. Constitution held strong. In Oklahoma, we have had a front row seat to the effort to embed religious instruction into our public schools. Today, we are reassured that religious teaching, no matter the denomination or belief, remains in the rightful hands of parents and guardians, and not on the shoulders of Oklahoma taxpayers.” – House Assistant Democratic Leader Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa

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