The State Superintendent’s endorsement of ICE raids in Oklahoma schools isn’t just morally wrong – it’s constitutionally indefensible. Anyone who claims undocumented children don’t deserve an education shows blatant disregard for both our state and federal constitutions, which guarantee this fundamental right.
Let’s be clear: we’re talking about children. As Jesus taught, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’ (Matthew 19:14). These are children who have done nothing wrong, who simply want to learn and grow alongside their classmates.
We cannot overlook the facts: Oklahoma ranks 49th in education nationally, with one in five children struggling with mental illness. Instead of protecting and educating our children, he chooses to terrorize them. His inflammatory rhetoric has already sparked racist incidents in our schools, including recent attacks targeting Hispanic students in Broken Arrow – this is unacceptable.
Bringing ICE agents into classrooms would devastate our educational system, traumatizing the young minds of all students. This reckless policy would drive children from schools, fueling dropout rates and undermining our state’s future at a time when Oklahoma desperately needs young, skilled talent.
These children – regardless of their documentation status – share the same dreams, fears, and potential as every other student in our classrooms. They are children first and foremost, deserving of protection, education, and the chance to build a better future.
As the proud son of immigrant parents, I know our immigrant families embody the American Dream, contributing daily to our communities despite relentless attacks. Oklahoma’s teachers and school staff witness firsthand how these young students and their families strengthen our schools and state through their resilience and determination.
I, like so many Oklahomans, demand an immediate end to this dangerous political exploitation of our children. Oklahoma’s future depends on educating ALL our students – not driving them into the shadows.
