1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

It is unconscionable to deny children access to education based on their immigration status which was most often chosen for them not by them. Depriving any child of the opportunity to learn violates fundamental human rights and undermines core American values of equality and opportunity for all. This proposed legislation in Tennessee would not only inflict severe harm on undocumented students by barring them from public schools, but it would also have far-reaching negative consequences for communities across the state. Lack of education perpetuates cycles of poverty, crime, and societal marginalization. An educated populace benefits everyone through greater economic productivity, civic engagement, and social cohesion. Moreover, this bill contravenes the Supreme Court's ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which affirmed that undocumented children have a constitutional right to public education. Enacting such a policy would inevitably provoke costly legal challenges that Tennessee cannot afford. Rather than cruelly targeting vulnerable children, the state should focus its efforts on fully funding public schools, supporting teachers, and ensuring all students receive a quality education that allows them to reach their full potential. Punishing kids for circumstances beyond their control is antithetical to American ideals of compassion and equal opportunity. This discriminatory bill must be rejected.