Senate passes bill to clarify schools’ response to immigration enforcement, citing Plyler v. Doe

The Oregon Senate passed Senate Bill 15 38 on final reading to strengthen protections for students in public schools against discrimination tied to immigration status and to require state guidance on responding to federal immigration enforcement.

Senator Frederick, who introduced the bill, said it "is based on a 1982 ruling by the US Supreme Court, Plyler versus Doe," and described the bill as a way to give educators clarity during encounters with federal enforcement officials. "This is a measure that gives teachers, staff, students, and parents reassurance and hopefully some peace of mind," Frederick said on the floor.

The measure adds immigration status to Oregon's educational anti-discrimination law and tasks the Department of Justice with consulting Oregon's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement and education organizations to promulgate school guidance on how staff should respond lawfully in distressing circumstances. The bill also clarifies when federal immigration authorities are considered "law enforcement" for school-related actions.

With no debate queued, the bill was placed to final roll-call vote and was recorded as passed with a constitutional majority (23 ayes as recorded in the roll call). Several senators filed brief floor explanations emphasizing the bill’s intent to keep children in school and reduce fear-driven absenteeism.