Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative News –
Tennessee House members passed legislation that would require Tennessee public schools to formally observe the Fourth of July during the school year.
House Bill 1857 (HB1857), sponsored by State Representative Tim Rudd (R-Murfreesboro-D34), requires all public schools and public charter schools to “designate one instructional day each school year to observe the Fourth of July by providing students with age- and grade-appropriate instruction on the founding of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed by American citizens.”
Prior to introduction of the bill, State Representative Justin Jones (D-Nashville-D52) brought an amendment for consideration, asking the House to vote to also make this a requirement for all schools accepting public voucher money. Jones stated that if they were taking public funds, they should be held to the same standards and requirements as public schools. That amendment did not pass.
During discussion, Representative Justin Pearson (D-Memphis-D86) asked if the intent was to teach the “paradox” of the founding of America, considering that the Declaration of Independence was written while people were enslaved. Rudd responded that the intent was to teach history as it occurred without adding a “political slant.”
Representative John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville-D55) questioned why this was being placed on all teachers instead of just being addressed with school systems that were failing to teach this. Rudd clarified that it was multiple districts who were mentioned and also stated that the bill was just to prevent any excuse for not having taught the material.
The final vote was 71 ayes, 20 nays, and 2 present not voting.
The companion Senate Bill 1960 (SB1960), sponsored by State Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon-D17) passed the Senate Education Committee last week and has been sent to the Senate Calendar Committee.
One Response
Good!!