Tennessee Senate passes controversial bill that would allow school districts to deny undocumented students
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A bill that would allow Tennessee school districts to charge an enrollment fee for undocumented students has passed the Tennessee Senate.
The bill passed all the senate committees needed to make it to the Senate floor. However, it was met with several protests.
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On Thursday morning, the rotunda was full of people of all ages holding up signs, speaking up against the proposal, with some reading 'let us learn,' and 'education for all.'
Those against the bill questioned how removing children from school benefits Tennesseans. Meanwhile, those in support of the measure said the decision should be left to local agencies, not the federal government, and there's a price to pay for education.
Bill 386, sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) and Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson), directly challenges the 1982 Supreme Court Plyer v. Doe decision, which ruled school districts cannot deny undocumented students access to free public K-12 education.
In February, when asked where undocumented students would go if the bill passed and is upheld, Leader Lamberth reportedly said they would move to a sanctuary city or return to their home countries.
The bill passed the Senate 19-13 and is still working its way through state House committees.
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This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.
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