Oregon lawmakers on Thursday passed a bill prohibiting public schools from discriminating against students based on immigration status or citizenship.
Senate Bill 1538 requires school districts to adopt policies outlining what to do if immigration enforcement officers appear on or near campus. The measure also directs the Oregon attorney general to work with the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, school leaders and legal experts to develop model policies for districts statewide.
According to bill supporter Sen. Janeen Sollman, D–Forest Grove, Cornelius and Hillsboro, those policies must include procedures to verify warrants, contact legal counsel and protect student information.
Supporters say the legislation is designed to reduce confusion for school officials and ensure students feel safe at school.
“It’s important that students and families know they are welcome in our schools,” said Rep. Zach Hudson, D–East Multnomah County and chair of the House Committee on Education. “This bill coordinates district and state policy to make sure no student faces discrimination when enrolling.”
Rep. Ed Diehl, R–Parts of Marion and Linn counties, voted against the bill, arguing it is unnecessary and redundant with existing federal law.
“SB 1538A is not needed and it is redundant with federal law. We already admit every child and do not ask their immigration or citizenship status,” Diehl said in a statement. “We have 99 problems with our public education system, and this isn’t one of them.”
The bill now heads to Gov. Tina Kotek for her signature.
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