Today, the Justice Department issued a letter to Alabama school districts reminding them of their obligation under federal law that a state may not deny a child equal access to public education based on his or her immigration status. 

The department also requested information regarding enrollment practices to determine whether each school district is in compliance with federal law and whether further action is warranted.

The letter seen here in its entirety notes that it has come to their attention that “the requirements of Alabama’s H.B. 56 may chill or discourage student participation in, or lead to the exclusion of school-age children from, public education programs based on their or their parents’ race, national origin, or actual or perceived immigration status, or based on their homeless or foster care status and consequent lack of documentation.”

The Justice Department is requesting that the information they are requesting arrive to their office no later than November 14, 2011.