The Oklahoma State Board of Education recently voted to approve a proposal that would mandate families to provide proof of their immigration or citizenship status when enrolling their children in school. This decision is pending approval by the legislature and governor before it can be implemented as per state administrative rules.
During the meeting, Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters emphasized that the primary objective of the rule is to collect data on the student population. He addressed concerns about misinformation in the media, stating that the rule is intended to account for the number of students with undocumented immigrant parents in the school system.
While proponents argue that the rule will help in tracking student demographics, critics fear that it could create a climate of fear and exclusion for immigrant families. Public schools are mandated by law to provide education to all children, regardless of their citizenship status.
The board deliberated on the citizenship status proposal for approximately 15 minutes before reaching a unanimous decision with a 6-0 vote. Walters clarified that the rule pertains to the parents of students, indicating that they would be required to verify their immigration or citizenship status during the enrollment process.
