Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A bill that requires parental consent before students can join clubs at school such as GLSEN or Prism Alliance passed out of subcommittee on Tuesday and will now go to the Education Administration Committee on March 8th, 2023.
House Bill 1411 (HB 1411) sponsored by Representative Monty Fritts (R-Kingston-District 32) states that “a school shall not permit a student to become a member or participate in an activity of a club or organization unless the student’s parent or legal guardian provides consent to the student’s membership or participation in the activity of the club or organization in writing that is signed and dated.”
The bill also requires parents and legal guardians be given an opportunity to review all surveys, analyses, or evaluations, prior to being administered to students and obtain written consent before participation. That consent may be withdrawn at any time.
Written consent must also be received in order for the student to receive any health services provided through the LEA, or before a student participates in any Family Life instruction, either in whole or in part.
According to Fritts, getting consent from parents has been inconsistent across LEAs within the state. His bill will do away with “passive” consent.
An amendment to the bill also covers any kind of “sexual orientation curriculum or gender identity curriculum” ensuring that “written, informed consent” be obtained from parents or guardians beforehand.
If you support this legislation, you may contact the members of the House Education Administration Committee listed below.
Rep. Mark White (R-Memphis) – rep.mark.white@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-4415
Rep. William Slater (R-Gallatin) – rep.william.slater@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-2534
Rep. Charlie Baum (R-Murfreesboro) – rep.charlie.baum@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-6849
Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood) – rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-6808
Rep. Ed Butler (R-Rickman) – rep.ed.butler@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-1260
Rep. Monty Fritts (R-Kingston) – rep.monty.fritts@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-7658
Rep. Ron Gant (R-Piperton) – rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-6890
Rep. John Gillespie (R-Memphis) – rep.john.gillespie@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-8201
Rep. Kirk Haston (R-Lobelville) – rep.kirk.haston@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-0750
Rep. Chris Hurt (R-Halls) – rep.chris.hurt@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-2134
Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) – rep.justin.jones@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-2184
Rep. Justin Lafferty (R-Knoxville) – rep.justin.lafferty@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-4110
Rep. Harold Love, Jr. (D-Nashville) – rep.harold.love@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-3831
Rep. Sam McKenzie (D-Knoxville) – rep.sam.mckenzie@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-0768
Rep. Antonio Parkinson (D-Memphis) – rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-4575
Rep. John Ragan (R-Oak Ridge) – rep.john.ragan@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-4400
Rep. Robert Stevens (R-Smyrna) – rep.robert.stevens@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-3830
Rep. Todd Warner (R-Chapel Hill) – rep.todd.warner@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-4170
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
