OKLAHOMA CITY — Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma announced on Wednesday that he will halt a controversial initiative advocated by the state’s top education official, which aimed to gather information regarding the immigration status of children upon their registration in public schools.
Stitt, a Republican in his second term, expressed strong opposition to illegal immigration but emphasized that efforts should better target individuals who break the law rather than children. He stated, “Collecting 6, 7, and 8-year-old children’s personal and immigration details is not a matter of public safety. Instead, let’s focus on those committing crimes and avoid instilling fear in our youth, which might deter them from attending school.”
The proposal, spearheaded by State Superintendent Ryan Walters, sparked outrage among educators and civil rights advocates when it was approved by the State Board of Education the previous month. Critics warned that the initiative could foster fear within immigrant communities.
Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, praised Stitt’s decision, attributing it to the collective efforts of parents, educators, and advocates who mobilized against the proposed rule, which could have restricted access to education.
Under the proposed regulation, which requires the governor’s consent to move forward, parents or guardians would need to provide proof of their children’s citizenship during enrollment, such as a U.S. birth certificate or a permanent resident card, among other documents.
In conjunction with his announcement, Stitt replaced three members of the State Board of Education who had backed the rule, citing frustration over the perceived exploitation of children for political purposes.
Walters responded by asserting his intention to recommend two of the removed board members for a Trump advisory committee aimed at countering what he sees as a liberal influence infiltrating Oklahoma’s policies.
Stitt’s actions reveal a growing dissatisfaction among some Republican leaders regarding Walters, who previously served as Stitt’s secretary of education. Walters has focused on criticizing what he refers to as “woke” ideologies in schools, advocating for Bible teachings in classrooms, and attempting to remove certain books from school libraries.
While Walters has not declared any intentions to pursue another political position, he remains a frequently discussed potential candidate for governor or lieutenant governor in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Stitt commented, “These individuals are primarily focused on their political ambitions, seeking media attention, and the people of Oklahoma can easily see through these tactics.”
