Former Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey Rejected For Position On ETSU Board OF Trustees

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –

On Wednesday, 3/8/2023, the House Education Administration Committee voted 6-12 against appointing former Tennessee State Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey to the ETSU Board of Trustees, despite being appointed by Governor Bill Lee. 

House Joint Resolution 0101, sponsored by William Lamberth (R-D44-Portland), received opposing votes from nearly every Republican on the committee, and one Democrat, Justin Jones (D-D52-Nashville).

The Tennessee Conservative reached out to a handful of the Republicans that voted against Dr. Piercey, and received a response from only one, Representative Bryan Richey (R-D20-Maryville).

Richey said, “After speaking with several members we had some major concerns and are dedicated to protecting our kids at our universities. We are watching what these trustees are and are not doing!” 

Based on the questions that were asked of many of the candidate appointees in the committee hearing on Wednesday, there were issues and concerns around those who have been appointed to be sure they would adhere to the anti-CRT laws that were put in place during last year’s General Session. 

However, what occurred could also be the remnants of what took place as a result of Piercey’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Back in 2021, There was noted controversy surrounding a memo that was circulated by Dr. Michelle Fiscus, who at the time, was Dr. Piercey’s head of immunology.

The memo referred to an obscure legal doctrine in Tennessee state law that would have had the ability to provide a defense should any physician vaccinate a minor under certain circumstances without parental consent. 

Fiscus was fired as a result of that memo, and Dr. Piercey was called in front of the Government Operations Committee to provide answers for the memo’s release.

During that meeting, Dr. Piercey was reprimanded by Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield-District 25), “To anyone who is bullying, bribing, shaming, coercing or cajoling an individual into taking the vaccine, I strongly urge you to consult with your legal counsel for potential violations of federal law,”. He added,  “It is not appropriate for a state employee to use their authority to coerce a student into receiving the vaccine.”

Within a period of a few months, Dr. Piercey resigned from her post, having served as the state’s health commissioner from January 2019, until May of 2022. 

In October of 2022, Piercey was appointed by Governor Bill Lee to replace an existing member, filling the remainder of that person’s term.  Confirmation hearings such as the one conducted yesterday, are historically just a formality, especially given Piercey’s credentials and gubernatorial endorsement. 

This however, did not end up being the case. In this instance, the committee reminded everyone, including Dr. Piercey and Governor Lee, that the Representatives in our state house can and will act, even if it contradicts the will of the state’s highest office holder.  

 

About the Author: Kelly Jackson is a recent escapee from corporate America, and a California refugee to Tennessee. Christ follower, Wife and Mom of three amazing teenagers. She has a BA in Comm from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in law enforcement and human resources. Since the summer of 2020, she has spent any and all free time in the trenches with local grassroots orgs, including Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County and Tennessee Stands as a core member.  Outspoken advocate for parents rights, medical freedom, and individual liberty. Kelly can be reached at kelly@tennesseeconservativenews.com.