Tennessee Republicans seek to allow public schools to reject undocumented students
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Leading Tennessee Republicans want to undo a decades-old U.S. Supreme Court decision that gives undocumented children the right to enroll in public schools.
Why it matters: Conservative state lawmakers are doubling down on their efforts to mirror President Trump's hard-line immigration policies.
Driving the news: Leading Republican lawmakers introduced a new bill on Tuesday that would allow public schools to turn undocumented children away.
- If the measure passes, advocates are certain to challenge it in court.
- The Republicans say that is the goal.
What they're saying: A statement announcing the legislation said lawmakers want to challenge the decision in the 1982 Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe, which requires public schools to educate all children, including undocumented immigrants.
- "Tennessee communities should not have to suffer or pay when the federal government fails to secure our borders," said House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) is sponsoring the legislation in his chamber.
- "Our obligation is to ensure a high-quality education for legal residents first."
State of play: The legislation drew immediate pushback from Democrats, immigrant advocates and even fellow Republicans.
- "This isn't a policy proposal; it's a lawsuit," Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) said in a statement. "This bill doesn't just undermine our values — it puts a target on the backs of children, punishing them for political gain."
The intrigue: State Sen. Todd Gardenhire, a Republican from Chattanooga, joined Democrats in criticizing the measure.
"It saddens me that we pick on children," Gardenhire said, per the Tennessean. "That's just something we ought not to do here. These kids are brought here by their parents. If you believe in the Bible, as I do, all through the Old Testament it talks about you don't punish children for what their fathers do."
- "Right now, immigration is the bull market of politics," said Gardenhire, a staunch conservative who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. "Everybody is jumping on the bandwagon to be the champion and get bills passed, no matter how worthy they are or unworthy."
Zoom in: In a statement to Axios, Metro Nashville Public Schools reiterated its commitment to educating all students regardless of immigration status.
- "We take pride in the diverse backgrounds of our student population and remain committed to providing a high-quality education to every child who walks through our doors," district spokesperson Sean Braisted said.
- "Ensuring access to education strengthens our community and contributes to a more prosperous future for all."
The big picture: The new Republican legislation came days after the General Assembly passed a Trump-inspired immigration bill along party lines during a special session.
Flashback: The General Assembly's posture on education for undocumented students has shifted significantly over the last decade.
- Gardenhire previously backed efforts to give undocumented students in-state tuition at public colleges.
- Ten years ago that measure won support from several Republicans and came within one vote of passing.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a response from Metro Nashville Public Schools.