Tennessee is currently at the center of a heated debate as lawmakers push forward with legislation that could potentially allow schools to deny enrollment to students who are in the U.S. without legal status. This controversial measure seeks to challenge a longstanding Supreme Court ruling that ensures education for all children, regardless of their immigration status.
Challenging a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
Republicans in Tennessee are spearheading an effort to dismantle the federal right to education for undocumented students. This initiative follows a strategy that has proven successful for the GOP in the past, notably with the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Representative William Lamberth is leading the charge, aiming to overturn the 1982 Supreme Court decision, Plyler v. Doe, which affirmed the right to education for all.
In a statement, Lamberth expressed, “If they don’t like that, they can go to some state that’s a sanctuary state. But we’re not going to take money away from the educational system that is there for legal residents and U.S. citizens and educate children that are illegal immigrants. That’s just where we stand on the issue.”
Legal Battles and Community Response
The proposed bill is poised to face legal challenges, a prospect that Lamberth and his supporters welcome, given the current conservative tilt of the Supreme Court. Stella Yarbrough, legal director of Tennessee’s ACLU, noted, “If they can tee up challenges to cases that were close calls, I think that they are correct that they are going to get a second bite at the apple.”
Despite the potential for a protracted legal battle, Yarbrough emphasized the importance of resisting such legislation, stating, “Even if you think you’re going to lose in the long run, putting off that loss even for a day, a week, a year can be meaningful.”
Immigrant families and advocates have mobilized in significant numbers to oppose the bill. Protests have erupted across the state, with demonstrators converging in Nashville to voice their opposition. The sentiment was captured by the chants of protesters, “Every kid counts, every kid counts.”
Voices from the Community
During a recent House education subcommittee hearing, sixth grader Damian Felipe Jimenez delivered a heartfelt plea to lawmakers, stating, “I am the son of immigrant parents that have shown me to respect and value everyone. Just like me and all the kids in this country, we have the right to dream and make those dreams come true. The right to an education should not be taken away from us because of our immigration status.”
In response, Lamberth argued that providing education to undocumented children offers “false hope,” as their legal status may eventually limit their professional aspirations.
Legislative Progress and Public Reaction
The legislation has advanced, though not without resistance. More Republicans opposed the bill than anticipated, and the session was cut short due to vocal dissent from the audience. Protesters saw this as a victory, with one declaring in Spanish, “We adjourned the committee. That was people power. That was not their own decision, that was our community doing this.”
As the bill moves forward, both supporters and opponents are prepared for continued action. The commitment to their causes remains unwavering, with protesters vowing, “We’ll be back, we’ll be back, we’ll be back.”
