The Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice sends this information as posted below:
Tulsa, Oklahoma – Twenty-nine statewide and local organizations today released a joint statement praising Governor Kevin Stitt for his recent comments affirming the importance of all students feeling safe and welcome in Oklahoma classrooms. The Governor was responding to a rule proposed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the State Department of Education that would require schools to inquire into the immigration status of their students and families.
“In Oklahoma, our Constitution says we’re going to educate all kids, and I want to make sure every kid feels safe and is being educated in the state of Oklahoma,” Gov. Stitt said at a press conference last week. “To use our kids as political pawns is unbelievable to me.” His remarks were later echoed by Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton.
The joint statement calls on House Speaker Kyle Hilbert to join the Governor and Senate President Pro Tem in speaking out against Walters’ proposed rule, and urges all members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate to formally disapprove the rule once it has been submitted for consideration later in the legislative session.
The 29 organizations signing the statement include a broad range of faith organizations, civil rights and advocacy groups, direct service providers, and philanthropic foundations. The effort is led by Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, a public interest law center that fights for the rights and opportunities of every Oklahoman.
“It is encouraging that Governor Stitt and other elected leaders are affirming that schools be open to all our children, regardless of national origin or immigration status,” said David Blatt, Oklahoma Appleseed’s Director of Research and Strategic Impact. “However one feels about the larger debate on immigration, we should not allow schools to become battlegrounds of exclusion. Children who are growing up in our communities deserve and are entitled to an education.”
The statement notes that the proposed rule violates an established Supreme Court decision – Plyler v. Doe – guaranteeing the right of all children residing in the United States to equal access to an education, and courts have struck down similar state attempts to determine the immigration status of schoolchildren. Requiring school districts to screen families for immigration
status would impose substantial costs and administrative burdens on schools, without advancing any state interests or enhancing public safety.
Before taking effect, the proposed rule must be approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor.
The statement, which can be read in full here, is endorsed by the following:
● Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice
● 9B Corp
● ACLU of Oklahoma
● The American Dream Center Institute
● CAIR Oklahoma
● Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies
● Defense of Democracy Oklahoma
● Fellowship Congregational UCC
● Fellowship Lutheran Church
● Forest Park Christian Church
● Growing Together Inc
● Latitude Legal Alliance
● Mayflower Congregational UCC
● My Brother’s Keeper Tulsa
● Norman Coalition for Refugee Support
● Oklahoma Education Association
● Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy
● Oklahoma Policy Institute
● Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition
● OKPLAC
● The Old Catholic Diocese of Mid-America and All Saints Catholic Church, Tulsa
● Restoration Community Church
● Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma
● Southminster Presbyterian Church
● St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Tulsa
● The Synagogue | Congregation B’nai Emunah
● Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry
● The UMA Center, Inc.
● YWCA Tulsa
About Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice
OK Appleseed is a nonprofit public interest legal center dedicated to fighting for the rights and opportunities of every Oklahoman. It promotes justice and equity through rigorous research, advocacy, and community engagement. We’re a part of the Appleseed Network.
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