Image Credit: @BrentTaylorTN / X, Memphis City Council & Canva.
Article by Olivia Lupia, Tennessee Conservative News –
After participating in a disruptive protest when the Memphis City Council chose to delay a vote on data center regulations last week, radical Democrat state representative and congressional candidate Justin J. Pearson has been banned from the next two meetings.
The council has been discussing implementing a temporary moratorium and future zoning rules but as members could not come to a consensus and had additional questions, the body voted at their Oct. 6 meeting to delay a final vote until Oct. 20.
That decision caused chaos to erupt amongst the couple hundred attendees who were demanding the body pass the measure that night. Amongst those protesting was Pearson, who reportedly grabbed a bullhorn and led the crowd in antagonizing council members.
The crowd was so disruptive the council ended the meeting early, reconvening on Oct. 8 to pass two ordinances revolving around data centers but leaving the moratorium vote until the 20th.
Because of his conduct during the meeting on the 6th, Pearson has been barred from the next two council meetings.
“While all are welcome to let their voices be heard, any use of abusive, profane language, personal remarks to any member of the Council or the public, or any disorderly conduct that disrupts the meeting will not be tolerated. Thus, the intent of this letter serves as written notice that such behavior is prohibited and should not be engaged in during meetings of the Memphis City Council. As a result of your disruptive behavior, your attendance at Council Meetings is prohibited for the next two meeting dates (10/20 and 11/10). Further failure to adhere to the Rules of Decorum could result in banning your attendance at subsequent council meetings,” the letter read.
Pearson claimed he never received a physical copy of the letter, though he acknowledged a version with his address was circulating online, and city attorney Allan Wade reportedly confirmed the temporary ban.
“For this to happen in my hometown that I have loved my whole life, that my family has been in for a century, it’s heartbreaking,” Pearson said about the ban. “This is a horrible moment in Memphis history.”
But Pearson’s congressional opponent, Republican state Sen. Brent Taylor saw the rebuke as totally appropriate.
“Democratic Socialist Justin Pearson just got the letter he earned: banned from future Memphis City Council meetings for being disruptive…Pearson showed up claiming he wasn’t disruptive which is the same routine he’s run shutting down legislative proceedings from the Tennessee House floor to City Hall. Memphis doesn’t need another performer. It needs adults who can sit through a meeting, hear both sides, and get something done. I’m asking for your vote. This election is about Competence Over Chaos,” Taylor posted on social media.
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.
