Feds: All Students Deserve to Learn Regardless of U.S. Status

Feds: All Students Deserve to Learn Regardless of U.S. Status

In reaction to reports that American public schools may begin to enroll students based on their citizenship status, the federal government issued a statement that all students are entitled to an education regardless of citizenship. As tension over illegal immigration in the US continues to mount, this letter was an important reminder to all of us that our economy can only benefit if everyone has access to a good public education, whether they are here legally or not. Immigration policy has no place in our education system.

Highlighted Clip for Monday, May 9, 2011:

"Feds: All kids, legal or not, entitled to school"

The U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to districts around the country Friday, reminding them that all students — legal or not — are entitled to a public education.

The letter comes amid reports that schools may be checking the immigration status of students trying to enroll, and reminds districts they are federally prohibited from barring elementary or secondary students on the basis of citizenship status.