WATCH | Hamilton County Board of Education opposes bill allowing schools to deny unauthorized immigrants a free education
Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Student Emmie Wilkins asks that children be protected from a bill currently in state legislation. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board's work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.
By Shannon Coan 9 min read
The Hamilton County school board passed a resolution Thursday opposing a bill that would allow Tennessee schools to deny unauthorized immigrants a free education.
“Every child in this county deserves a chance to thrive and experience a future without limits,” school board member Jill Black, D-Chattanooga, said, referencing the district’s mission that is inscribed behind the board’s dais. “I honestly cannot believe that we are having this conversation tonight. This proposed legislation is outside what I believe is our moral responsibility to each other as friends and neighbors who live in community together. The idea of looking into the bright shining face of a child eager to learn and denying them the opportunity is disgusting to me.”
The resolution states that the school board believes it is important to educate all students in order to fulfill the district’s mission and urges the Tennessee General Assembly to vote against the legislation.
It passed with eight board members voting in support of the resolution. Three members abstained: Jodi Schaffer, R-East Brainerd; Felice Hadden, R-Ooltewah; and Steve Slater, R-Soddy-Daisy.
Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / School board chair Joe Smith speaks during the meeting. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / School board member Jill Black speaks during the meeting. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / School board member Krista Jones keeps track of speakers at the meeting. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / From left, Tuli Van Korlaar and Mabry Connor are applauded after speaking for saving bus service to magnet schools. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / School board member Larry Grohn asks a question about the cost of a bus for a private contractor. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Amanda Shaw looks toward Superintendent Justin Robertson, as she talks about testing in the schools. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Attendees raise their hands to show that they are interested in social and counseling services in the schools. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Attendees raise their hands to show that they are interested in social and counseling services in the schools. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Justin Wilkins holds a sign supporting education for students regardless of immigration status. His daughter Emmie spoke the board about the issue. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Student Emmie Wilkins reads a statement asking that children be protected from a bill currently in state legislation. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Red Bank High student Aiden Mills reads a statement in support of social services at his school. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Student Emmie Wilkins asks that children be protected from a bill currently in state legislation. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Eastside Elementary Principal Greg Wilkey addressed the board on budget concerns. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / School bus contractor Blake Williams expressed the impact of eliminating transportation for magnet schools. A capacity crowd attended the Hamilton County School Board’s work session, at the Bonny Oaks offices, on April 17, 2025.
When the final vote total was announced, members of the audience — a still full crowd more than three hours after the board began meeting — broke out into loud cheers with several giving a standing ovation. Some held signs saying, “Education for All.”
