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Statewide Charter School Board selects First Liberty Institute for potential Ben Gamla litigation
Summary
After denying the Ben Gamla revised application, the board voted to retain First Liberty Institute under 74 O.S. § 20i for potential litigation; members discussed pros and cons of First Liberty and Alliance Defending Freedom.
The Statewide Charter School Board voted March 9, 2026, to select First Liberty Institute as outside legal counsel if litigation arises from the board’s denial of the National Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation’s revised application.
Chairman Brian Shellem described conference calls with two pro bono options: Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), noted for prior Supreme Court experience but presenting perceived conflict-of-interest and perception concerns, and First Liberty Institute (FLI), which offered Oklahoma‑resident attorneys and a promise of sole representation. Board members discussed the trade‑offs, including ADF’s familiarity with past litigation and FLI’s local presence and conflict-management advantages.
Bill Pearson moved to retain First Liberty; Jared Buswell seconded. The motion carried with the recorded votes of members present. The selection was made under the authority cited on the record, 74 O.S. § 20i, for procuring outside counsel in connection with anticipated litigation.
The board did not vote to initiate litigation at the meeting; the action authorizes retention of counsel should a legal challenge follow the denial of the revised application.
