Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
Three Republicans on the Senate Education Committee voted against a bill yesterday that would ban certain flags, including Pride flags, from being displayed in public school classrooms.
Senate Bill 1722 (SB1722) sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28) narrowly passed a roll call vote with five voting for the proposed legislation and four against.
Along with the lone Democrat on the committee (Raumesh Akbari) , Republican Senators Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga-District 10), Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol-District 4) and Bill Powers (R-Clarksville-District 22) voted against the bill which aims to give clear guidance as to which flags are appropriate for flying in Tennessee public schools and public charter schools.
Before the vote was taken, the bill sponsor said that parents in his district had brought the bill to him after witnessing Pride flags being displayed by teachers.
“Children need to come to school, and read and write, and do math, and let’s leave the ideological flags on either side at home,” said Hensley.
He disagreed with comments made by Attorney Phil Cramer, on behalf of the ACLU, who said that the fiscal impact of the bill would be far greater than lawmakers anticipated due to potential lawsuits that are sure to be brought if the bill becomes law.
“Let’s not pass legislation that runs afoul of both the federal and state constitution,” Cramer said.
The corresponding House Bill 1605 (HB1605), sponsored by Representative Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood-District 61), has sparked much debate but passed the House Education Administration Committee in a roll call vote with votes falling mostly among party lines 12 to 4.
During that roll call vote – requested by Representative Todd Warner (R-Chapel Hill-District 92) – Chairman Mark White (R-Memphis-District 83) declined to cast a vote at all, while Representative John Gillepsie (R-Memphis-District 97) joined three Democrats in voting no.
If made law, LEAs and public charter schools would be allowed to fly only the following:
• The United States Flag
• The Official Tennessee State Flag
• A Flag That Cannot be Disturbed or Altered (TCA Section 4-1-412)
• The POW/MIA Flag
• A Flag Representing an Indian Tribe (25 U.S.C. Section 5304)
• A Flag Representing a City, County, Metropolitan Government, or Other Political Subdivision of the State of Tennessee
• A Flag Representing a Unit, Brand, or Other Division of the Armed Forces Including ROTC Programs
• A Flag Representing a College or University
• A Flag Displayed Temporarily as Part of a Bona Fide Course Curriculum
• An Official School Flag
In addition, organizations authorized to use a public school building for a meeting could also display a flag of their choice during that time, meaning that Gay Sexual Alliance clubs would be permitted to display a Pride flag during their meetings.
HB1605 has been placed on the House calendar for February 26th. If you support this bill, contact your Representative to make your feelings known before the vote.
You may find the contact details for your Representative HERE.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative.
You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
