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The Tennessee Conservative [By Rebecca Scott] –
A bill regarding flags that are approved for display in Tennessee public schools has made significant headway in the Tennessee House, while the corresponding Senate Bill 1722 (SB1722), sponsored by Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28), has been placed on the Senate Education Committee calendar for February 21, 2024.
SB 1722 “As introduced, prohibits LEAs and public charter schools from displaying in public schools flags other than the official United States flag and the official Tennessee state flag. – Amends TCA Section 5-5-114; Section 6-54-144 and Title 49.”
In the House, the corresponding bill, House Bill 1605 (HB1605), sparked much debate before ultimately being passed by the House Education Administration. The votes fell along party lines with committee Republicans voting for the bill and Democrats voting against.
More on the details of this legislation HERE.
With Pride flags being of greatest concern in the school environment, this bill attempts to give clear guidelines as to what flags would be approved for flying in Tennessee public schools and public charter schools.
To voice your support or opposition to SB1722, contact the Tennessee Senate Education Committee before their meeting on February 21st.
Senate Education Committee:
John Lundberg (chair) – (R) – sen.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-5761
Bill Powers (vice-chair) – (R) – sen.bill.powers@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2374
Raumesh Akbari (2nd vice-chair) – (D) – sen.raumesh.akbari@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-1767
Rusty Crowe (R) – sen.rusty.crowe@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2468
Todd Gardenhire (R) – sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6682
Ferrell Haile (R) – sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-1999
Joey Hensley (R) – sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3100
Mark Pody (R) – sen.mark.pody@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2421
Dawn White (R) – sen.dawn.white@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6853
Rebecca Scott is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative.
You can reach Rebecca at Rebecca@tennesseeconservativenews.com