HB 1648 is a discriminatory attempt to deny undocumented children their right to access public education. Should a public school choose to educate undocumented students, this legislation would eliminate state funding for those students, requiring the school to be solely responsible for all of their education costs.
School districts nationwide are obligated under federal law to provide equal opportunity to all children residing in their districts, regardless of their race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, or the immigration status of their parents and guardians.
This bill violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law.
Limiting a child’s opportunity to learn through education is cruel, and a disservice to all Tennesseans. All children deserve access to education, regardless of immigration status.
