About 45 principals attended a meeting with nearly all members of the Hamilton County legislative delegation to express opposition to any version of a proposed state bill that would require schools to track students’ immigration status or allow school districts to refuse enrollment to undocumented students.
It was the first time in memory the Hamilton County Principals Association had held such a meeting, Principal Greg Wilkey of East Side Elementary said.
“We strongly and without hesitation oppose the proposed bill requiring schools to document the citizenship status of students and their families,” states a letter signed by the Hamilton County Principals Association and sent in March. “This bill contradicts the very foundation of public education in America.”
Wilkey, who serves on the association board, said there was no change from legislators on the immigration bill, and they held firm to their opinions at the event Friday. The meeting was cordial, and lawmakers heard the educators out, Wilkey said by phone.
“I found the meeting very valuable as a listening session to hear some of the things that they’re concerned about,” said Rep. Greg Vital, R-Harrison, who attended and voted in favor of the House version of the bill in March. “I appreciate their input, and I am going to take into consideration what they shared with me. Also, I’m trying to better understand how the implementation of any of these bills would occur.”