Residents Upset After Sullivan County Board Of Education Cancels Meeting About Riley Gaines Speaking Controversy

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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

Community members are expressing displeasure with the Sullivan County Board of Education for abruptly canceling a meeting after a local high school would not allow women’s rights advocate Riley Gaines to speak at a student assembly.

A representative of Club America, the high school arm of Turning Point USA, approached Sullivan County Director of Schools Chuck Carter with a request to have Gaines speak at a student assembly at West Ridge High School after the Oct. 10 Board of Education meeting. 

According to Carter, he told Club America that while he would not permit Gaines as an assembly speaker, “I informed them we would be happy to consider an after-school event proposal should Club America submit our standard facilities usage agreement.”

Carter later doubled down on his original answer, writing in an official statement, “Though I understand Club America has continued to request that their proposed event take place at a student assembly during a school day, I- in consultation with our legal counsel- stand by my original response, but remain more than happy to accommodate this as an after-school event so as not to disrupt the instructional day.”

But it appears it is not so much Carter’s declaration that is upsetting residents, but the Board of Education’s secrecy and unwillingness to face the public which elected them over what could be seen as a controversial topic. 

On Monday, Oct. 20, the school board met in a “closed attorney/client session” but unexpectedly cancelled the public meeting that was scheduled to take place immediately after the closed session, distressing audience members who had come in support of the proposed Club America event.

Some parents felt it was wrong for the board to cancel last minute, especially as the proposed speaking event appeared to be the only agenda item for the meeting.

Parent Brian Hartz, whose daughter is a Club USA member at West Ridge High School, thinks it was inappropriate for the board to cancel in such a manner as people specifically took time out of their day to come voice their concerns. 

“If anything, we’re trying to help build something for our kids and just being shut out. On top of that, to say we don’t know when we’re going to hear your voice, it’s very discouraging and, quite frankly, hurtful because we’re here trying to do stuff for our kids,” Hartz expressed.

He also believes the school board fears receiving criticism. “They’re afraid of any repercussions from someone else. Quite frankly, it feels like a bullying situation because they’re feeling so much pressure from one side, they’re just gonna let the other side kind of wash away the other view,” he said.

As of this writing, the canceled school board meeting has not been rescheduled, and it does not appear as if Director Carter will be changing his stance. 

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.