The latest proposal from Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters aims to gather citizenship information from parents during school enrollment.
This initiative has sparked controversy, as many worry it could deter families from enrolling their children in school and conflicts with federal guidelines.
Concerns Over Enrollment and Inclusivity
Just four months ago, Walters praised Tulsa Public Schools for their success in increasing student enrollment, highlighting an increase in English learners.
However, his recent push for mandatory citizenship disclosure might undermine that progress by instilling fear in families.
District officials are uncertain about the exact number of undocumented students enrolled in their schools.
In fact, Tulsa saw its English learner population rise from 10,168 in 2023 to 11,149 the next year, indicating a growing need for inclusivity.
Supporters of Donald Trump back Walters’ initiative to dismantle what they call “sanctuary schools.” Yet, educational leaders caution that this approach could be detrimental to vulnerable families.
The superintendent of Norman Public Schools warned that the proposed policy could foster fear and ultimately restrict educational access for children, regardless of their parent’s immigration status.
Potential Legal Challenges
The Oklahoma State Department of Education argues that collecting citizenship data is crucial for allocating resources effectively for English learners.
Meanwhile, many prominent GOP figures are advocating for a legal challenge to the long-established Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe, which ensures educational access for undocumented students.
Experts suggest that if the court revisits this case, the protections granted to these students could be at risk.
Members of the public can weigh in on the proposal until January 17, with a hearing scheduled for that day.
This initiative comes amid heightened rhetoric from Trump concerning undocumented immigrants, which includes calls for expanded ICE operations in schools and the deportation of families, irrespective of their children’s citizenship status.
Back in July, Walters pushed for greater accountability, urging districts to consider the financial impacts of undocumented immigration on education.
He even initiated legal action against federal authorities, asserting that their border policies placed an unreasonable financial strain on Oklahoma schools.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
With approximately 6,000 undocumented children under 16 living in Oklahoma, Walters claimed that the state would need an additional 1,065 teachers over the next five years to adequately support English learners, although the reasoning behind this figure remains vague.
State data shows that the percentage of English learners has hovered around 10% since the 2021-22 school year.
Still, educators, particularly in Tulsa, have reported an increase in students who arrive with little to no English proficiency, fueling concerns for their well-being and adjustment.
In Norman, where roughly 8% of students are English learners, the implications of Walters’ proposal are similarly troubling.
Some districts have expressed hesitation to disclose families’ immigration statuses, while others have made clear their intent to disregard such requests, citing potential constitutional conflicts.
This situation draws parallels to California’s Proposition 187 from 1994, which sought to restrict access to public education for undocumented immigrants but was ultimately ruled unconstitutional.
Other states like Alabama and Arizona have also faced legal challenges over similar proposals, with Alabama’s law being overturned in 2012 after extensive courtroom battles.
Considering the current dynamics of the Supreme Court, some speculate that recent appointments might influence discussions surrounding immigration and education, raising concerns that existing rulings could be subject to reinterpretation.
The education department plans to finalize its proposal by March, with the next steps reliant on approval from both legislative branches before it reaches the governor.
Walters has gained support from Oklahoma’s Attorney General as both advocate for the state’s right to collect citizenship information.
Historically, schools have served as safe havens free from immigration enforcement, but advocacy groups warn that policies generating fear can lead to decreased enrollment, particularly among Hispanic students in early education.
To alleviate apprehensions, school leaders, including the Superintendent of Oklahoma City, are committed to fostering inclusive environments for all students.
Nevertheless, the proposal remains a contentious topic in areas like Tulsa, where discussions about undocumented populations have been prominent.
As the situation unfolds, educational leaders continue to emphasize their commitment to supporting all students, championing inclusivity and striving to provide educational opportunities for every child, regardless of their background.
Source: The74million