Tennessee Legislators have taken a significant step towards changing who can attend public schools in the state. On Wednesday, the Senate Education Committee voted 5-4 to advance a bill that would require schools to verify the immigration status of students. If a student cannot prove they are in the U.S. legally, they could be barred from enrolling unless their parents pay tuition.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Bo Watson and House Majority Leader William Lamberth, aims to address what supporters see as a financial burden on schools due to the cost of English-as-a-second-language instruction. However, critics argue that this measure challenges a long-standing Supreme Court decision, Plyler v. Doe, which guarantees all children the right to a public education regardless of their immigration status.
The vote sparked strong reactions, with some attendees shouting in protest and others leaving in tears. Sen. Raumesh Akbari, the committee’s sole Democrat, expressed her opposition, stating that the bill goes against the country’s values by denying education to young children.
Watson acknowledged that the bill might face legal challenges but believes that the Supreme Court’s decision could be overturned if it were revisited today. The proposed legislation is part of a broader effort by Tennessee lawmakers to align with stricter immigration policies.
Critics argue that excluding undocumented students from schools could have negative consequences for communities and public safety. They emphasize that education is a fundamental right and that denying it to any child is harmful and unjust.
The bill now moves forward in the legislative process, with advocates vowing to continue their fight against it. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the committee room, chanting “education for all” and promising to return as the bill progresses.
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