The Oklahoma State Board of Education has approved a controversial new rule requiring parents to disclose their children’s immigration status when enrolling them in school. The proposal, put forward by State Superintendent Ryan Walters, mandates that parents or legal guardians provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency during the enrollment process. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or U.S. birth certificate.
During the board meeting, Walters emphasized that the rule does not bar children from enrolling in school, regardless of their immigration status. Instead, it is intended for “data gathering” purposes. Walters clarified that while the Oklahoma Department of Education (DOE) would not proactively share the information, it would comply with requests from law enforcement or other government authorities.
The proposal has drawn criticism, particularly from immigrant rights groups. The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) has raised concerns that the rule could violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees all children the right to access education regardless of immigration status. They argue that collecting such information could deter immigrant families from enrolling their children in school, undermining the goal of providing equitable education to all students.
This move aligns with broader national trends, including policies initiated during the Trump administration aimed at addressing illegal immigration. While the rule has been approved by the State Board of Education, it still requires final approval from Oklahoma’s governor and state legislature before it can be implemented.
It is however an unexpected, barbaric and regretable act that adults in position of power could voluntarily enact such a law which basically restricts children educational development based on the immigration status of their parents or wards.
Sources:
- www.jurist.org
- Oklahoma State Board of Education
- National Immigration Law Center
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