By: Representative Molly Jenkins
In Oklahoma, we believe in accountability. We believe in transparency, and we believe that taxpayers have a right to know where their hard-earned dollars are being spent, especially when it comes to public education.
That’s why I filed an amendment to Senate Joint Resolution 22 last week that would have required the Oklahoma State Department of Education to report a simple, aggregate number: how many non-citizen students are enrolled in our public schools. No names. No personal details. Just a headcount. That’s not intrusive. It’s responsible.
Some of my colleagues opposed the amendment by citing Plyler v. Doe, a Supreme Court case from the 1980s that requires schools to provide K-12 education regardless of immigration status. But nothing in that ruling says we can’t collect data. Nothing says we must turn a blind eye to the growing costs of illegal immigration on our school system. We are still providing education, as required. What I’m asking for is accountability in how we track spending.
The rule I defended would have done exactly that. It came from the State Department of Education itself. We’re talking about one number, no names and no identifiers. Just a total. If we can’t even ask how many non-citizen students are enrolled, how can we expect to make informed decisions about funding, staffing and services?
Oklahomans are being forced to pay for federal policies they never asked to support. President Biden’s failure to secure the border has become more than just a border-state issue—it’s impacting every part of the country, including rural schools in Oklahoma that are already stretched to their limits.
Even though my amendment was ultimately tabled, I stand by it. I followed standard House procedure and called for a division vote. That move wasn’t about theater. It was about transparency. Our constituents deserve to know how we vote on issues that affect them. I’m not afraid to go on the record, and I don’t think anyone else should be either.
This isn’t the end of the conversation. It’s the beginning. I will pursue more legislation and continue to take reasonable steps to bring transparency and truth to the discussion around education funding and immigration. We owe it to Oklahoma families to be honest, to be accountable and to act.
In closing, I hope you take time this Memorial Day week to reflect on its true meaning. Let us remember and honor the men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice deserves our deepest gratitude and respect.
It is an honor to represent you at the Capitol. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. My email address is [email protected], or you can call my office at (405) 557-7304.
Rep. Molly Jenkins, a Republican, represents House District 33 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Logan and Payne counties.
