Retired teacher Candice Boyd was one of more than 20 educators, students, religious leaders, and community members who spoke at Monday night’s Knox County School Board work session in support of a proposed policy priority opposing education barriers for undocumented children.¶
Board members will vote on the proposed priority on Thursday, in response to legislation state lawmakers considered earlier this year that would allow school districts the option of refusing to enroll undocumented children or charging them tuition. The bill passed the State Senate but stalled in the House and could return when lawmakers reconvene in January.¶
Boyd told board members it’s a “moral imperative” to take a stand against the legislation.¶
“I taught first, second, and third grade for 28 years. You know all those years, I never met a teacher or an administrator who did not believe every child has a right to a free public education. That’s what public schools are about. Educating children regardless of race, background, family history, health condition, whatever,” said Boyd.
