This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
Justices questioned whether charter schools, including religious ones like St. Isidore, are considered public schools and state actors for constitutional purposes.
Petitioners argue that St. Isidore hires teachers who are not Catholic.
- [1] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 10
- [2] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 24
- [3] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 45
- [4] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 69
- [5] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 135
- [6] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 25
Background and question before the Court
The case is docketed as No. 24‑394 (also 24‑396) before the Supreme Court of Oklahoma.
James A. Campbell argued the cause for petitioners in No. 24‑394.
Justices asked whether charter schools, including religious ones like St. Isidore, are considered public schools and state actors for constitutional purposes.
- [1] e3ff6969d1acd8c30092-r1-6744b9949e83773a.pdf, p. 2
- [2] e3ff6969d1acd8c30092-r1-6744b9949e83773a.pdf, p. 2
- [3] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 10
- [4] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 24
- [5] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 45
- [6] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 69
- [7] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 135
What each side argues
Petitioners
St. Isidore hires teachers who are not Catholic.
What happened at oral argument
Justice Sotomayor asked whether a religious school could change its curriculum to teach only creationism.
Justice Alito asked whether the grants and tax credits in Trinity Lutheran, Espinoza, and Carson involve a contract distinction.
Justice Sotomayor asked whether the schools are only teaching the Catholic religion.
Justice Gorsuch asked about historical examples of state funding of religious schools and the lack of a free‑exercise claim.
Justice Kavanaugh asked whether a student in Oklahoma is free to attend a public school if they choose.
Justice Thomas asked what features would convert St. Isidore into a state actor.
Justice Gorsuch asked whether, under strict scrutiny, the government has a compelling interest.
Justice Kavanaugh asked about the similarity of Oklahoma’s program to those in other states.
Justice Jackson asked whether the federal law requiring charter schools to be nonsectarian is unconstitutional.
Justice Sotomayor referenced the Peltier v. Charter School case and asked about the opposite position taken today.
Justice Kagan asked “And what’s the difference?”
Justice Jackson asked whether the board would have to choose among charter school applicants of different religions.
Justice Jackson asked whether the board would have to choose among charter school applicants of different religions (repeated citation).
Justice Thomas asked whether St. Isidore can participate in the charter program and remain private.
Justice Kavanaugh asked how the program differs from a choice program where no student is compelled to attend a religious charter school.
According to Justice Alito, justice Alito questioned whether statements by the attorney general reflected hostility toward Islam.
Justice Alito asked whether the statements were motivated by the Blaine movement.
Justice Sotomayor asked about the state‑entity versus state‑actor theories in light of West and Rendell‑Baker.
Justice Kagan asked what issues would arise in other states if the Court ruled for petitioners.
Chief Justice Roberts noted that the case was submitted.
- [1] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 10
- [2] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 19
- [3] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 24
- [4] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 29
- [5] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 33
- [6] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 45
- [7] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 59
- [8] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 61
- [9] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 65
- [10] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 69
- [11] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 71
- [12] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 73
- [13] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 88
- [14] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 92
- [15] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 122
- [16] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 129
- [17] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 130
- [18] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 135
- [19] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 137
- [20] ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdf, p. 151
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- e3ff6969d1acd8c30092-r1-6744b9949e83773a.pdfopinion
- ee39fb5dff047f0194c9-r1-90e3c01ef6654550.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 18, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.