Oklahoma Senate Rejects School Citizenship Checks, Approves Donation Disclosure Rule

The Oklahoma Senate recently voted on administrative rules proposed by Superintendent Ryan Walters and the State Board of Education, ultimately rejecting a highly debated rule requiring public schools to collect citizenship documents during student enrollment. This rule, aimed at understanding expenditures related to illegal immigration, was opposed by many lawmakers despite assurances it would not block children from accessing education. Conversely, the Senate approved a separate rule mandating schools to report non-governmental donations exceeding $17,000 to enhance transparency about financial contributions, with Senator Shane Jett citing concerns over foreign influence, including alleged donations from the Chinese Communist Party. This donation disclosure rule, however, faced criticism for being poorly drafted and lacking clear legislative authority. The resolution now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration, with some representatives expressing reservations about approving these rules. The debate highlighted tensions between promoting transparency and concerns over administrative overreach within Oklahoma's education system.