Governor Stitt Rejects Immigration Status Proposal in Education
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has dismissed a contentious proposal from the state Board of Education that aimed to require parents to disclose their immigration status during school enrollment. Stitt criticized the proposal as "needless political drama" and emphasized the need for focus on improving educational outcomes in the state.
The plan emerged amidst heightened national scrutiny on immigration under the Trump administration, which has ramped up deportation efforts. Advocates for education and immigrant rights raised concerns over the proposal’s legality and potential deterrent effects on families considering public schooling for their children.
In a February 12 news conference, Stitt highlighted disappointing scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which showed Oklahoma students below average in math and reading. He argued that instead of pursuing political stunts, the state should prioritize educational success, stating, “If we want to be the best state for business, we need to make sure our kids have a path to success.”
Following his decision, Stitt announced plans to replace three members of the Board of Education. The proposal, which had received initial approval from the board, would have required districts to report the number of students lacking documented immigration status. Critics, including Tasneem Al-Michael, argued that the measure was aimed at keeping undocumented students from accessing public education.
While Governor Stitt’s rejection received praise from the National Immigration Law Center, the board’s superintendent, Ryan Walters, expressed disappointment, claiming Stitt had aligned with the political establishment.
The state of Oklahoma is currently navigating a challenging landscape of educational reforms, including controversial policies on immigration and religious curriculum integration. As debates over education and immigration continue, Stitt’s administration will need to manage these tensions carefully in pursuit of improved educational outcomes.
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