(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly
Democrats Ruben J. Ramos Jr., Annette Quijano, Marlene Caride and Gabriela
Mosquera to require the state to issue reminder notices to school districts of
the requirement to enroll resident students in accordance with all applicable
statutes and rules and regulations of the state board of education was signed
into law on Thursday.
"These children are entitled to an
appropriate public education," said Ramos (D-Hudson). "We're talking about
children who have no control over their immigration status, and we should want
them to be enrolled in school and properly educated so they can become
productive members of our society. When you think about it, this is just common
sense."
"It's important to regularly remind
school districts that a child's immigration status does not affect his
eligibility to attend public school," said Quijano (D-Union).
“Requiring the Department of
Education to biannually distribute a notice to each school district reminding
the district of the obligation to enroll resident students regardless of
immigration status is the right thing to do for children,” said Caride
(D-Bergen/Passaic).
"We are rightly committed in
New Jersey to educating each and every child,
and this new law simply reminds everyone of that goal,” said Mosquera (D-Camden,
Gloucester).
“This is about fairness and ensuring a better future for our
state.”
Under the new law, the state is
required to distribute a notice to school districts twice a year reminding them
of the requirement to enroll resident students regardless of immigration status.
The notice must be distributed by Aug. 1 and Dec. 30 of each school year and
must include information on the documentation that may be requested pursuant to
state board regulations to demonstrate a student’s eligibility for
enrollment in the district. The law will become effective on the 60th
day following enactment.
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