The Oklahoma State Board of Education is set to vote on a proposal that would mandate parents to report their immigration or citizenship status when enrolling their children in school. The proposed rule, 210:10-1-5 (d), aims to gather information to better understand students' needs without compromising their right to education.
While the school board asserts that the goal is to assess educational needs, critics, including education and immigration advocates, argue that the proposal may instill fear and alienate immigrant families from public schools. The National Immigration Law Center emphasized that all children have a constitutional right to equal access to education, regardless of their immigration status.
If approved, the rule changes will proceed to the legislature and governor for review. The proposal comes amidst a broader national conversation on immigration, with President Trump's administration tightening enforcement measures.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has been a key figure in Oklahoma's education landscape, with recent initiatives such as incorporating the Bible in school curriculums. Walters also announced a lawsuit against federal agencies over the financial strain caused by immigration policies.
The proposed rule change would require proof of US citizenship or legal immigration status at enrollment, with data collected for assessing educational needs. The text of the rule emphasizes that no individual student's status will be recorded, and education will not be denied based on immigration status.
Despite support from Walters, concerns have been raised about the rule's potential impact on student enrollment. Advocates argue that education should not be used to sow fear or exclusion.
Current US law, as established in the Plyler v. Doe case, guarantees all students access to public education regardless of immigration status. The proposed rule in Oklahoma echoes past legal challenges in states like Alabama, where similar measures faced opposition and legal scrutiny.
As the debate continues, Oklahoma's largest school districts have affirmed their commitment to providing education to all students, irrespective of immigration status. Oklahoma City Public Schools, for instance, has stated that it will not collect immigration status information from students or families.
