Oklahoma Education Leaders Approve Controversial Plan for Student Enrollment

Oklahoma education leaders have approved a controversial plan that requires families to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status when enrolling their children in public schools. The new rule, approved on Tuesday, would not prevent students who are not citizens or legal immigrants from enrolling, as such a practice was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1982. However, it would require districts to track and report the number of students whose families have not provided proof of citizenship or legal status.

This new rule marks a significant departure from the non-cooperative approach adopted by many large school districts across the nation in response to the Trump administration's immigration policies. These policies, which are expected to cause waves of deportations and could lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to visit schools, have sparked concerns among educators and immigrant communities. The Oklahoma rule is also likely to face swift legal challenges across the state.

Ryan Walters, the state superintendent of schools and a firebrand Republican who supported the new rule, claims it aims to provide the White House with the information needed to enforce its immigration policies in Oklahoma. However, critics argue that the rule is discriminatory and will create a climate of fear and uncertainty for undocumented students and their families. They also point out that the rule is likely to be ineffective, as families may simply choose not to enroll their children in school rather than provide documentation.

The implementation of this new rule is sure to be met with resistance and legal challenges. It remains to be seen how the rule will ultimately impact Oklahoma's public schools and the students they serve.