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Tennessee Bill Aims to Permit School Districts to Exclude Undocumented Students

Tennessee Lawmakers Challenge Supreme Court Precedent with Bill Targeting Undocumented Students

Tennessee’s Republican lawmakers have introduced a controversial bill allowing school districts to deny enrollment to undocumented students, defying the 1982 Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe, which guarantees public education for all children regardless of immigration status. The bill, spearheaded by House Majority Leader Rep. William Lamberth and State Sen. Bo Watson, aims to empower local education authorities to make enrollment decisions based on students’ citizenship.

In their statements, Lamberth and Watson emphasized concerns over the financial impact of undocumented students on public school resources. Lamberth remarked, “Our obligation is to ensure a high-quality education for legal residents first,” arguing that an influx of undocumented immigrants strains local budgets. Watson echoed this sentiment, asserting that limited educational resources should prioritize students legally present in the country.

The proposed legislation is part of a broader initiative following a recent special legislative session focused on immigration enforcement, which included a contentious $447 million school voucher plan—estimated to divert $47 million from public school funding.

Critics, including immigration rights advocates and Democratic legislators, have condemned the bill, labeling it unconstitutional and a distraction from addressing real educational needs. Sen. Raumesh Akbari remarked that the proposal serves as a “lawsuit designed to deny children their right to an education.” Casey Bryant, founder of the Advocates for Immigration Rights of Memphis, added that such policies foster fear within immigrant communities and can discourage lawful participation in society.

Despite past attempts to challenge Plyler v. Doe, legal experts suggest that this latest bill will likely result in extended litigation, delaying any immediate action. The lawmakers’ push reflects a growing trend of Tennessee leadership pursuing legally dubious policies, further complicating the landscape for education and immigration in the state.

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