Okla. Board of Education OKs rule to require students' citizenship status
Share and Follow


() A controversial proposal approved unanimously by Oklahoma’s state Board of Education Tuesday would require parents to provide proof of their child’s U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status when enrolling them in public schools.

It still needs to be voted on by the state legislature and signed by Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt before becoming official.

While the proposed rule would not prevent students without legal status from attending school, it would require districts to record the number of students for whom proof of citizenship was not provided and to report those numbers to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Republican State Superintendent Ryan Walters says is about accountability and resource allocation. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, meanwhile, said he believes “state services should only be provided to legal residents of our state and nation.”

Civil rights groups, teachers, parents, and those in Oklahoma’s immigrant communities said this measure is frightening people, and they’re worried about its potential consequences.

Parents and students protested outside the Oklahoma Board of Education building Tuesday night. Some parents even said they’re considering pulling their kids out of school or moving.

“The idea that a child wanting to pursue an education must be profiled before learning is distasteful,” student Thomas Suarez said.

Walters has said he intends to support President Donald Trump’s immigration priorities. During his first week in his second non-consecutive term, Trump’s administration carried out nationwide ICE raids.

Critics say Walters’ policies could create a chilling effect on education for children of undocumented migrants.

A Supreme Court ruling from 1982, Plyler vs. Doe, affirmed the right of children living in the country illegally to attend public schools.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Several elephants killed in train crash after impact causes multiple coaches to derail

Tragic Train Collision Claims Lives of Elephants, Causes Major Derailment

In a tragic incident early Saturday, a high-speed passenger train in northeastern…
City of Chicago budget vote: City Council passes alternative plan without corporate head tax, but Mayor Brandon Johnson can veto

Chicago City Council Approves Alternative Budget Plan Excluding Corporate Head Tax; Awaits Potential Veto from Mayor Brandon Johnson

The Chicago City Council has approved a budget plan for 2026, but…
Trump blasts Rob Reiner after famed director's killing, claims without evidence his death was political

Trump Criticizes Rob Reiner Following Director’s Controversial Death, Alleges Political Motives Without Proof

Rob Reiner, a revered figure in Hollywood, became the latest target of…
Dave Chappelle stuns audience with Charlie Kirk comment in surprise Netflix comedy special

Dave Chappelle’s Netflix Special Shakes Up Audiences with Bold Charlie Kirk Remarks

Comedian Dave Chappelle has once again addressed the tragic assassination of conservative…
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back

Historic Milestone: Blue Origin’s Successful Space Journey with First Wheelchair User Aboard

In a groundbreaking achievement, Blue Origin, the brainchild of Jeff Bezos, successfully…
Did anyone win Monday's $419M Powerball jackpot? Check the winning numbers

Powerball Jackpot Soars to $1.6 Billion: Discover Its Place Among the Largest Lottery Prizes in History

The escalating Powerball jackpot is now part of an elite group of…
I have 20 kids... I spend $10k on Christmas gifts and meals take HOURS

Mother of 20 Reveals Her $10k Christmas Spending and Hours-Long Meal Preparations

A mother of 20 has opened up about the realities of parenting…
Sick new details about Jeffrey Epstein's crimes revealed after DOJ releases files from unsealed grand jury materials

Newly Unsealed Grand Jury Documents Unveil Disturbing Details of Jeffrey Epstein’s Crimes

Recent documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice shed light on…