The ACLU Seeks to Uphold Plyler

Some local school districts are reevaluating their enrollment procedures after the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey found that many improperly asked parents for Social Security numbers or other citizenship documents to enroll their children.

Thirteen Passaic County districts were listed as ‘serious offenders’ and received letters early last week informing them of federal and state laws that prohibit schools from asking for Social Security information.

Schools may require proof that a child resides in the district, but under a 1982 Supreme Court ruling they are not allowed to request information that would reveal a child’s or parent’s immigration status. The decision said that all children have a constitutional right to a free public education, regardless of immigration status.   For the full story, click here.

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