BOSTON (AP) — The Saugus Public School Committee approved a new admissions policy last year, claiming it aimed to simplify student enrollment. However, critics argue that the policy is designed to exclude immigrant families from this small district outside Boston.
Key Points
Legal Background: For decades, children from families living in the U.S. illegally have had the right to attend public schools due to the 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe. This decision stated that denying education based on immigration status is unconstitutional.
New Policy Concerns: The Saugus policy requires new students to provide immigration records and proof of residency, stating that only “legal residents” can enroll. Critics highlight that these stringent requirements may effectively bar many immigrant families from registering their children in school.
Political Climate: Immigration experts warn that recent efforts to challenge Plyler v. Doe should be taken seriously, especially given the conservative majority in the Supreme Court. There are growing discussions among conservative politicians in states like Oklahoma and Texas about limiting educational rights for undocumented immigrants.
Impact on Families: Civil rights attorneys argue that the new requirements disproportionately affect immigrant families who may not have the necessary documents. One Nicaraguan mother reported it took her six months to enroll her child due to the policy’s demands.
Official Statements: Vincent Serino, chairman of the Saugus school committee, stated that the policy is meant to clarify existing residency rules and is not intended to exclude immigrants. He claimed that no complaints had been received regarding the policy.
Legal Actions: Lawyers for Civil Rights and Massachusetts Advocates for Children have filed a lawsuit against Saugus Public Schools, seeking transparency about the policy’s implementation and its effects on vulnerable students. They argue that the policy is illegal and discriminatory.
National Implications: Advocates fear that if Donald Trump wins a second term as president, issues surrounding immigrant education could become a central part of national policy discussions.
State Responses: Some school districts are resisting pressure to check students’ immigration status, citing federal law that prohibits such actions. Meanwhile, proposals in other states to limit educational access for undocumented students have faced backlash and legal challenges.
The Saugus school committee approved its admissions policy during a meeting in August 2023, shortly after Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency regarding an influx of migrants. While Serino insists the policy is not exclusionary, local advocates continue to push for changes to ensure all children can access education regardless of their immigration status.
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