Tennessee Republicans introduce bill allowing schools to deny undocumented students

Tennessee lawmakers are advancing a controversial bill that would permit public schools to deny enrollment to undocumented students, potentially challenging the 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which mandates that all children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to public education. Sponsored by Republican Senator Bo Watson and House Majority Leader William Lamberth, the bill is framed as a response to financial concerns about the state's education system, with Watson asserting that local schools should have the autonomy to make enrollment decisions. Critics, including Democrats and some Republicans, argue that the bill unjustly punishes children for their parents' actions, with concerns that it could lead to long-term detrimental effects on the state's economy and educational landscape. The proposal has sparked significant backlash, with advocates planning to challenge it legally if passed. Additionally, some Republican voices, like Senator Todd Gardenhire, have expressed moral objections to targeting vulnerable children. The bill reflects broader national discussions on immigration policy and its implications for education.