Twelve school districts in Oklahoma have announced that they will not check students’ immigration status if asked by the state’s education department, in response to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters’ plans to calculate the cost of illegal immigration on districts. Walters, a Republican, has been focused on culture war issues during his time in office, including demanding that public schools incorporate the Bible into their lessons.
Though Walters has threatened districts that refuse to comply, many are standing firm in their decision not to check student immigration status, citing Supreme Court precedent that dictates public schools must enroll all children in their districts regardless of immigration status. The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are 90,000 undocumented migrants in Oklahoma, including 6,000 school-age children, with a majority living in the counties where Oklahoma City and Tulsa are located.
Critics argue that representing immigrants as a burden is misleading, as they contribute to communities, pay taxes, and should have access to public education. Districts like Oklahoma City Public Schools and Tulsa Public Schools have stated that they do not and will not collect student immigration status.
Walters’ controversial actions, including pressuring a district to fire a principal for performing as a drag queen and attempting to revoke a teacher’s license for sharing a link to a library catalog, have garnered praise from right-wing organizations but criticism from educators. Districts continue to resist Walters’ directives, with many administrators and educators expressing frustration with his divisive leadership style.
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