The Oklahoma State Board of Education has approved a measure that could require proof of legal status from parents when enrolling their children in public schools. Supporters say it’s about understanding costs, while critics worry it could discourage some families from seeking an education.
Key Facts:
- The Board of Education voted 6-0 on Tuesday to support the proposal.
- Superintendent Ryan Walters says the plan is meant to collect data on students’ families.
- Immigration advocates argue it may deter undocumented children from attending public schools.
- A 1982 Supreme Court ruling guarantees free public education for all children, regardless of immigration status.
- The proposal still needs approval from the state legislature and governor.
The Rest of The Story:
The measure, known as rule 210:10-1-5 (d), calls for parents or guardians to provide proof of their U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status at school enrollment.
School districts would then tally how many students lack this documentation and submit the total to the state, without sharing personal details.
Our policy on illegal immigration is about accountability—accurately tracking undocumented students in schools.
Despite media gaslighting, this is about sustaining progress in Oklahoma schools. pic.twitter.com/3alEWMiUJu
— Superintendent Ryan Walters (@RyanWaltersSupt) January 28, 2025
Critics, including the National Immigration Law Center, say this kind of data collection could scare families and hurt students who have a right to attend public schools under federal law. They worry this is just another barrier for children who are already vulnerable.
Supporters believe the move is strictly to gather facts about how many non-citizen students are in Oklahoma’s public schools.
They say no child would be denied an education, and no individual’s immigration details would be stored.
Debate over this issue has also surfaced nationally, as former President Donald Trump and Oklahoma officials continue to push for tighter immigration enforcement.
Lawsuits and court challenges are likely, especially given past rulings on education rights.
Commentary:
Oklahoma’s leaders want clearer data on how many illegal immigrant children enter schools and how much it costs to serve them.
They insist they are not collecting children’s immigration statuses; rather, they aim to measure demand for seats, textbooks, and language programs.
It seems practical for the state to assess school capacity and resources. Lawsuits are expected, and the courts will eventually decide whether this rule stands.
The Bottom Line:
The state is pressing forward with a measure that raises concerns about education access for undocumented children.
Whether it becomes law depends on the legislature, the governor, and potentially the courts.
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