Oklahoma’s State Board of Education has approved a controversial proposal requiring parents to report their immigration status when enrolling children in public schools, sparking intense backlash and privacy concerns.
It’s only “controversial” because Democrats support open borders, for some reason.
At a Glance
- Oklahoma’s education board approved a rule to collect immigration status of students and parents
- The proposal needs approval from the state Legislature and Governor to take effect
- Critics argue the rule violates rights and instills fear in immigrant communities
- State Superintendent Ryan Walters supports the rule, citing transparency and law and order
- Some school officials have expressed intention to refuse enforcement if implemented
Controversial Proposal Sparks Debate
The Oklahoma State Board of Education has caused outrage among Democrats by approving a proposal that would require parents to report their immigration status or provide proof of citizenship when enrolling their children in public schools. This move has ignited a heated debate about privacy, civil rights, and the role of educational institutions in immigration enforcement.
State Superintendent Ryan Walters, a staunch supporter of the rule, defended the decision, stating, “We’re a country of law and order. We have laws and rules in place. Clearly, you are supposed to enter the country legally. We are providing information and documentation over the students in our schools. It is incredibly necessary for us to continue to move up in the education rankings to have this information.”
He’s not wrong.
Despite the board’s approval, the proposal faces several hurdles before implementation. It requires approval from both the state Legislature and the Governor to take effect. Moreover, the rule does not prevent students from enrolling based on legal status, adhering to the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling Plyler v. Doe, which ensures the right to public education for all children regardless of immigration status.
The proposal has sparked significant backlash from Democrats, who argue that it violates civil rights and could instill fear in immigrant communities.
Immigrant communities, or illegal alien communities?
In response to the proposal, some local school officials have expressed their intention to refuse enforcement if the rule is implemented.
Legal experts and civil rights organizations are advising affected families to be prepared. The American Civil Liberties Union has outlined rights for individuals in the U.S. regardless of immigration status, including the right to remain silent and refuse searches without consent. The National Immigration Resource Center advises families to gather important documents and identify emergency contacts in preparation for potential immigration crackdowns.
Can you believe that a proposal like this is even considered controversial at this point? What happened to expecting people to simply obey the law?
