In a bold move, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt recently rejected a contentious proposal by the state Board of Education that sought to require parents to disclose their immigration or citizenship status when enrolling their children in school. Stitt criticized the proposal as “needless political drama,” signaling his disapproval of the state’s increasingly Trumpian direction in education. This decision comes amidst a broader national context, as President Donald Trump and Republican leaders have vowed to intensify crackdowns on undocumented immigrants, including deploying troops to the US-Mexico border, deporting migrants to Guantanamo Bay, and stripping temporary protections for certain migrant groups.
The proposal, which was approved by the Oklahoma Board of Education under Superintendent Ryan Walters, aimed to collect immigration information from families during the school enrollment process. Education and immigration advocates quickly raised concerns about the constitutionality of the measure, arguing that it would create a climate of fear and exclusion for immigrant families in public schools. These concerns were amplified by the broader political climate, as the Trump administration has made immigration enforcement a central focus of its agenda.
Governor Stitt, a Republican who endorsed Trump’s presidential bid, framed his rejection of the proposal as a call to refocus Oklahoma’s education system on improving student outcomes. He highlighted the state’s disappointing results in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often called the “Nation’s Report Card,” where Oklahoma students scored below average in math and reading. Stitt criticized the Board of Education for using children as “political pawns” and emphasized the need for fresh leadership to address the state’s educational challenges. He also announced the replacement of three members of the five-member Board of Education, a move that requires state Senate approval.
The tension between Stitt and Walters reflects deeper divisions within Oklahoma’s Republican leadership. Walters, a strong ally of Trump, accused Stitt of aligning with the “swampy political establishment” that Trump has railed against. Walters announced the formation of a “Trump Advisory Committee” with two of the removed board members, vowing to continue fighting for conservative education policies. In contrast, Stitt, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election, positioned himself as a pragmatic leader focused on improving education rather than pursuing partisan agendas.
The backlash against the proposal was swift, with immigration and education advocates praising Stitt’s decision. Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, commended the governor for rejecting an effort that would have undermined the right to education for immigrant children. Matos emphasized the importance of ensuring that schools remain safe and welcoming spaces for all students, regardless of their immigration status. The controversy over the proposal also highlighted the broader debate over immigration enforcement and its impact on public education.
Under Ryan Walters’ leadership, Oklahoma has been at the forefront of a Republican push to reshape public education along conservative lines. Recent initiatives have included requiring schools to teach the Bible and the Ten Commandments, as well as pursuing legal battles over the funding of religious charter schools. Walters has also taken a hardline stance on immigration, announcing a $474 million lawsuit against former leaders of the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He has further committed to allowing ICE agents into schools as part of the state’s compliance with Trump administration policies.
The debate over the proposal and its rejection by Governor Stitt underscores the challenges of balancing political ideologies with the practical needs of students and families. While Stitt’s decision was celebrated by advocates for immigrant rights, it also revealed tensions within Oklahoma’s Republican Party and the ongoing influence of Trump’s policies at the state level. As the national conversation around immigration and education continues to evolve, Oklahoma’s experience serves as a microcosm of the broader struggles and divisions shaping American politics today.
