'The civil rights issue of the 21st century'

"Oklahoma's tribal governments could soon sponsor charter schools, providing much-needed help to lower-income children," according to a new House press release.

Senate Bill 586, by state Sen. John Ford and state Rep. Jabar Shumate, would allow any of Oklahoma's 39 federally recognized Native American tribes to sponsor a charter school located in a district with more than 5,000 students in a major metropolitan area.

"I believe the civil rights issue of the 21st century is how we ensure a quality education for all children, regardless of their background," said Shumate, D-Tulsa. "It is exciting that our tribal governments want to take an active role in this effort and I am proud to carry this legislation." ...

Senate Bill 586 passed out of the House Common Education Committee today. It now proceeds to the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.