Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Two education-related bills emphasizing civics tests for teachers and prayer for school boards passed the Education Administration Subcommittee on Tuesday, one with Democrat support and the other without.
HB1658, dubbed the “Tennessee Civics Education Act”, will require first-time applicants for a state teaching license to pass the same civics test immigrants must pass to gain citizenship.
Teachers with an existing teaching license will not be impacted, but this exam requirement would mandate that new teachers answer the same type of test the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) already requires high school seniors to take based on the one administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
New teachers would be required to pass the test with a score of 70% or higher.
Bill sponsor Kip Capley introduced the legislation during the subcommittee meeting, and Rep. Scott Cepicky explained an amendment which would limit the civics test only to new teachers seeking an endorsement to teach social studies, history, or civics.
When asked by Democrat Ronnie Glynn why an additional test should be added to these teachers, Rep. Capley responded it’s because “we’re sending a strong message that we think civics education is important and that it you’re going to teach civics you obviously need to have a knowledge of government, its infrastructure, its history, the founding principles of our nation. We’ve already got one right now that’s given to high school seniors that have to pass it to graduate, so if they can do that, then their teachers should be too.”
That was not enough to convince Glynn, who believes adding additional certification requirements will disincentivize teachers from wanting to teach civics and could even lead to schools not having teachers for the subjects for which the test would be required. “This bill has nothing to really and truly do with wanting teachers to be more educated in civics, I think that’s already being done. I think really and truly there’s more to this and that’s why I cannot support this legislation,” he added.
Only Glynn voted “No”, leaving the vote at 5-1 in favor along party lines.
The second bill, HB1834, seeks to clarify that school boards can open their meeting with a personal prayer recited by a board member provided those in attendance are not “harassed or coerced” to participate.
Titled the “Tennessee Religious Freedom Act”, the bill points to the First Amendment, stating the framers of the U.S. Constitution “intended for citizens to have the right to freely exercise their religious beliefs” and that school board members are not excluded from exercising religious expression.
Several court cases are also cited which lay the framework for legislative bodies to engage in prayer, but many school boards across Tennessee wishing to open meetings with a word of prayer have received conflicting advice from attorneys regarding the First Amendment Free Expression Clause.
Rep. Rick Eldridge reiterated that the prayer would be optional and no person would be forced to participate. There was no discussion on the bill, and the subcommittee moved to an immediate vote. Democrat Ronnie Glynn voted “Yes” on the bill, making the final vote a unanimous 6-0 in favor of passage.
Both bills will now proceed to the full House Education Committee.
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.
One Response
Good!