OKLAHOMA (TNND) — A proposal was approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Education Tuesday requiring parents to report their immigration or citizenship status when enrolling their child in school.

The proposal was approved in a 6-0 vote but still needs to go through the legislature and governor to take effect, according to state administrative rules.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters criticized the media for "lies" and "gaslighting" and said the goal of the rule is to "account for how many students of illegal immigrants are in our schools."

Accountability matters. This proposed rule to accurately track undocumented students will ensure resources are used wisely, staffing is effective, and every Oklahoma child gets the tools to succeed," the department wrote on Facebook.

During the meeting, protesters gathered outside to voice concerns about possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in schools.

The National Immigration Law Center previously responded to the rule change saying they believe all children have a constitutional right to equal access to education regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.

"Requiring school districts to collect information about immigration status illegally chills access to this opportunity, interfering with their ability to focus on their core mission: to educate children and give all students the ability to grow, thrive, and participate fully in our democracy," the organization wrote in a release.

The vote follows President Donald Trump's pledge to crack down on undocumented immigrants and enforce mass deportations.

It isn't the first time Walters has been in the spotlight for wanting to transform public education.

In November, he announced that 500 Bibles had been purchased for Oklahoma AP government classes and launched the Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism.