Image Credit: CMCSS Focus / YouTube
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Despite an emotional crowd and intense debate, the Clarksville Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) voted down a resolution by a one vote margin opposing a state bill that seeks to allow schools to disenroll illegal alien students.
The resolution, introduced by board member Carol Berry, would have formally opposed HB0793/SB0836, a bill which paves the way for public schools to deny enrollment or charge tuition for children of illegal immigrants.
Though the bill passed the Senate, it ultimately stalled in the House on the final day of this year’s legislative session over questions about the jeopardization of federal funding.
Bill sponsor and Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland-District 44) has indicated intent to revive the bill for the 2026 legislative session as the state continues its quest to challenge the 1982 Supreme Court decision in Plyler v Doe.
CMCSS board member Berry stated the intent of her resolution was to affirm the “right of all children to get a free and equitable public education.”
During the public comments portion of the meeting, several residents spoke in favor of the resolution, claiming the bill would “create fear in our schools” and “force teachers to become immigration enforcers…and tear apart trust between families and schools that makes learning possible.”
One proponent, an Indigenous educator, said she was “astonished” at the treatment of “undocumented immigrants” and attempted to use Scripture to justify “the importance of treating foreigners justly and with kindness.”
“Although the Bible doesn’t directly address modern illegal immigration, it emphasizes compassion, justice for vulnerable foreigners that offer guidance for contemporary related issues related to immigration, upholding passion compassion, others maintain that biblical compassion should override any unjust or discriminatory laws,” she argued.
After the resolution’s presentation, board member Aron Maberry, who also serves as the Republican state representative for District 68, explained the bill’s purpose is to help fix the immigration system since students who are not legal immigrants cannot receive state or federal college funds.
“Our immigration system is broken. His (Lamberth’s) goal is to challenge that, to break it, so that ultimately, Congress will fix it,” Maberry said.
He then called for the resolution to be tabled indefinitely, stating the board has “no need to focus on partisan politics. This board’s focus should be on our school district and not on a house bill that isn’t even moving through the State House right now, and it may not ever.”
That motion failed and the resolution remained on the agenda for a final vote after other Democrat members called the tabling motion “out of place” because they believe bill is something that needs immediate addressment.
“If they can stop an immigrant from getting a free public education, they can stop me,” contended board member Jimmie Garland. “They can stop my children, because I ask the question, who’s next?”
Resolution sponsor Berry became agitated after Maberry reaffirmed his position, chastising those opposed as not lining themselves up with the Word of God.
She then raised her voice to fellow board members, exclaiming, “It just bewilders me! Yes, I said it. This board ought to be compassionate! This board ought to care about children! This board ought to care about children being educated! This is not right, and I’m not going to speak against it.”
Her outburst received loud audience cheers and applause, soon followed by a call for decorum from board chair Chris Lanier as observers continually interjected and interrupted the meeting. After further discussion by the board, the vote was ultimately 3-2 against the resolution, with three Republicans voting “No”, two Democrats voting “Yes”, and Republican Kent Griffy abstaining.
After the vote, audience members could be heard shouting curses and insults. Lanier asked law enforcement to escort a group of protesters from the room after his request for order was ignored. The group continued chanting, “Education for all!” in the hallway as the board moved onto their remaining agenda items.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
