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Following the Department of Education’s proposal to require students to prove citizenship or legal immigration status, leaders of the state’s two largest public school districts delivered messages to reassure families.
Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Jamie Polk and Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Ebony Johnson have responded to the proposal, which could deter students who are undocumented or from mixed-status families from attending school.
“Federal law guarantees every child’s right to public education regardless of immigration status, and our District will continue operating in accordance with these established federal protections,” Polk wrote. “OKCPS does not, nor do we have plans to, collect the immigration status of our students or their families.”
Johnson echoed that message in a video.
“We do not collect, require, or report any information related to immigration status to the state or federal governments,” Johnson said.
The agency’s proposal comes as schools around the country brace for a potential wave of deportations under President-elect Donald Trump, according to a story in The New York Times. Educators are worried federal agents could start showing up at schools despite a longstanding policy preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement from making arrests at schools.
Undocumented college students are facing uncertainty, too, renewing fears, reports The Hechinger Report.
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— Jennifer Palmer
Recommended Reading
- OKCPS Superintendent Jamie Polk shares her priorities for the district, challenges, and dreams for public education. [Metro Family Magazine]
- Edmond Public Schools’ superintendent will retire at the end of the school year, following two tumultuous years in Superintendent Ryan Walters’ crosshairs. [The Oklahoman]
- Classical education, a schooling model that emphasizes liberal arts and western teachings, thrives in Florida. [Politico]
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