THREAD: oklahoma city religious

OKLAHOMA Court BLOCKS First Religious Charter School

25 June 2024 — The Oklahoma Supreme Court halted the establishment of the first publicly funded religious charter school in the U.S. The court ruled that the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board’s approval of St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School violated both state and federal constitutions. This decision is a setback for conservatives and Governor Kevin Stitt, who have supported religious involvement in public education.

Justice James Winchester stated that under Oklahoma law, charter schools must be nonsectarian, making it unconstitutional for St. Isidore to operate as a Catholic school with public funding. The ruling emphasized that public schools cannot evangelize or promote religious curricula while receiving state sponsorship.

Supporters of the school had hoped recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions would allow more flexibility for public funds to go to religious entities. Conservative states like Louisiana have already pushed for more religious content in public schools, such as posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms and teaching the Bible.

In response to the ruling, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Diocese of Tulsa announced they will “consider all legal options.” This case will likely continue to be a focal point in debates over religion’s role in publicly funded education systems across America.

DEADLY Houston STORMS Leave City in Ruins, Power Restoration Underway

20 May 2024 — Deadly storms ravaged Houston last week, leaving seven dead and causing widespread damage. Thunderstorms and hurricane-force winds destroyed businesses, uprooted trees, and shattered glass in downtown skyscrapers. A tornado also touched down near Cypress.

By Sunday evening, 88% of Houston area customers had power restored, according to CenterPoint Energy spokesperson Paul Lock. “We expect everyone to be back on by end of business Wednesday,” Lock stated. Over 289,000 homes and businesses in Texas remained without electricity Sunday evening.

More than 3,900 customers in Louisiana were also without power due to strong winds and a suspected tornado. CenterPoint Energy deployed 2,000 employees and over 5,000 contractors to restore power in the Houston area. Lynnae Wilson emphasized the urgency given the high temperatures: “Getting the lights and air conditioning back on is even more important.”

GAZA CITY Under Siege: Israeli Forces Close In — Civilians Struggle Amidst Escalating Tensions

09 November 2023 — Gaza City, the Gaza Strip’s most populous area, is caught in the crossfire as Israeli ground forces reportedly advance. Local Palestinians have reported witnessing these forces approaching from various directions, sparking a mass evacuation. Essential resources like food and water are rapidly depleting.

While the Israeli army remains silent about their specific troop movements, they’ve pledged to dismantle Hamas following its lethal attack on Israel on October 7. Residents claim that Israeli forces have infiltrated central neighborhoods of Gaza City under heavy bombardment.

Violent clashes are unfolding alarmingly close to Shifa, the territory’s main hospital and a significant point of contention in this war. The Israeli military asserts that Hamas’ primary command center is housed within this hospital complex, with high-ranking leaders using it as protection. Both Hamas representatives and hospital staff refute these allegations.

For those living in Gaza, Shifa Hospital represents civilian distress during this conflict. It’s struggling to cope with an unending stream of injured individuals while facing dwindling electricity and medical supplies shortages. Countless displaced individuals seek refuge within its vicinity.