States Challenge Precedent on Undocumented Student Education

Some states are questioning the established right of undocumented children to attend public school without a fee. This right stems from a landmark Supreme Court decision in 1982.

Landmark Decision: Plyler v. Doe

In 1982, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that all public schools in the United States must offer education to every student, regardless of their immigration status. This decision came from the case Plyler v. Doe.

The case addressed a Texas statute from 1975, which permitted public school districts to impose tuition on these students or deny them access to education outright. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling voided this law.

Current Challenges

Despite the clear mandate of Plyler v. Doe, some states are now attempting to revisit this decision and challenge the precedent. The discussion centers on whether these students should still be entitled to free public education.