NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A new bill in Tennessee has sparked a heated discussion. It proposes that public and charter schools can choose whether or not to enroll undocumented students.
This bill, known as Senate Bill 836 and House Bill 793, was introduced by House Speaker William Lamberth and Senator Bo Watson. The key point is that local schools would have the authority to refuse students who are unlawfully present in the U.S.
Lawmakers claim the bill responds to an increase in undocumented immigrants over the past four years. Lamberth stated that services should not be provided to those who are not legally in the country. He added that if people disagree, they should move to states that have more lenient immigration policies.
The bill has also raised concerns among educators. House Speaker Cameron Sexton mentioned that teachers have reported difficulties in classrooms due to non-citizen students who often speak English as a second language. He noted that absent students can impact a school’s funding and stability.
As per Sexton, when many students do not have a consistent presence, especially during busy seasons like harvest time, it disrupts the educational process. “It’s challenging for schools and affects what we strive to achieve,” he said.
This legislation faces significant legal challenges because it goes against a landmark Supreme Court decision from 1982, known as Plyler v. Doe. That ruling established that states cannot deny public education to undocumented children unless there are compelling state reasons to do so. It is grounded in the 14th Amendment, which ensures equal protection for all individuals within the U.S.
Lamberth expressed his eagerness to see how courts will respond to this proposed law. He believes the current immigration climate is different from when the Supreme Court made its decision. He criticized the current administration’s handling of border security and immigration issues.
If the bill passes through both the House and Senate, it will be enacted once signed into law.
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