A new proposal in Oklahoma may require parents to prove their child’s U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status before enrolling them in public schools. This plan, introduced by Republican State Superintendent Ryan Walters, is meant to align with former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
While it wouldn’t ban students without legal status from attending school, it would require school districts to keep records of their status. The proposal is in its early stages and still needs approval from lawmakers and the governor before it can take effect.
The 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe ensures that children, regardless of their immigration status, have the right to attend public school. However, some conservative lawmakers continue to question whether undocumented immigrants should receive public education.
Walters, who has been vocal about his support for stricter immigration laws, has stated that he is willing to cooperate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Oklahoma schools. However, there have been no reports of ICE agents entering schools in the state so far.
According to Walters, schools in Oklahoma are struggling due to the increase in undocumented immigrants, which he attributes to what he calls the Biden administration’s “open border policy.” He insists that his priority is putting Oklahoma students first and aligning with Trump’s immigration policies.
During his tenure, Walters has been known for his controversial education policies, including requiring Bible instruction in classrooms and attempting to ban certain books from school libraries.
The proposal has caused concern among teachers, civil rights groups, and immigrant families. Democratic State Representative Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, who represents Oklahoma City’s heavily Hispanic community, says many parents are now fearful. He explains that families are beginning to question whether they should unenroll their children from school to avoid potential consequences.
In response, Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Jamie Polk reassured parents that federal law protects students’ right to education regardless of their immigration status. She emphasized that the district has no plans to ask students or their families for proof of citizenship.
This is not the first time a state has attempted to track student immigration status. In 2011, Alabama introduced a similar law requiring schools to verify students’ legal status. However, a federal court later blocked the law, ruling it unconstitutional.
Experts warn that efforts to challenge the Plyler v. Doe decision could gain traction, given recent Supreme Court rulings that have overturned long-standing precedents in areas like abortion rights and affirmative action. Some believe that this proposal is part of a larger push to limit the rights of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
While the Oklahoma education board is still debating the proposal, families across the state are left uncertain about what the future holds. If the rule is implemented, it could significantly impact immigrant communities and reshape the way schools handle student enrollment.
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