06/15/2026
Forty-four years ago, Plyler v. Doe affirmed every child’s right to an education, regardless of immigration status.
Every day, AFC serves the children and families Plyler was meant to protect: newly arrived immigrant students and families navigating an unfamiliar system in search of a brighter future. These students deserve schools that are prepared to welcome and support them.
Plyler recognized that children don’t choose the circumstances of their birth or their families’ journeys. Denying them access to education is unjust and harmful.
We’re grateful to our elected leaders in New York who uphold the promise of Plyler, and we're calling on the City to go even further: let's strengthen the guidance for schools on protections for immigrant students, restore funding for multi-faceted immigrant family communication and outreach, and establish dedicated instructional specialists for English Language Learners to ensure they receive the academic instruction and support they need to thrive.
Today, Plyler is more than just a legal precedent. It is a promise of our shared duty to all children. AFC remains committed to defending every child’s right to a quality education — no exceptions, no conditions.
