Chattanooga rally held in opposition of undocumented student bill

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Pressure is mounting before a critical vote tomorrow on a controversial bill.

A rally was held over the weekend to protest Senate Bill 8-36.

The bill, proposed by Senator Bo Watson, would allow schools to not enroll undocumented students.

He says this measure is necessary in the face of tightening budgets and less space in schools.

However, opponents of the bill have protested for weeks that the bill is discriminatory, including increasing criticism from students themselves.

“It’s the same right to learn that gives us fuel to aim higher and dream bigger.  But right now, our right to education is under attack.  Senator Bo Watson and Representative William Lamberth are bullying us,” one Chattanooga student said.

The bill goes in front of the Senate Ways, Finances, and Means Committee tomorrow.

If it passes there, it’ll go to the main body of the General Assembly.