TN Senate Passes Bill Requiring Parental Consent For Sex Education, Club Participation In Schools
Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –
Legislation that would require schools to obtain parental consent before allowing students to participate in clubs, some sex education courses, and more passed the Tennessee Senate on Monday.
Senate Bill 1443 (SB1443), sponsored by Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield-District 23), as introduced, requires a student’s parent or legal guardian, or the student if the student has reached the age of majority, to provide a written, informed, and voluntarily signed consent to the student’s LEA before the student may receive instruction through the LEA’s family life curriculum, participate in a survey, analysis, or evaluation, or receive health services provided through a coordinated school health program.
In Monday’s Senate floor session, Roberts introduced the bill and the floor approved two amendments, including one that would allow for the opt-out system to still be used for health screenings.
Senator Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville-District 21) started the discussion on the bill, asking how this legislation would work for clubs. He noted that the language of the bill requires parental permission for participation in any activity of a club. He argued that it was “intrusive” to require parents to sign something every time a kid participates in any activity.
Senator Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis-29) warned legislators of the “unintended consequences” that could come from this type of legislation.
Following this, Senator Heidi Campbell stated, “We are so fearful of our kids making decisions…but it’s ok if our kids get pregnant at 14.”
At this point, Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun-District 1) said that he believed the disconnect was in the role of public education and called SB1443 an “empowering bill.”
“Why would someone object to me as a parent being informed about my children?” Lowe asked.
Following the discussion, a vote was taken. Senate Bill 1443 passed with 25 ayes and 5 nayes. Those opposed were Senators Akbari, Campbell, Yarbro, Sara Kyle (D-Memphis-District 30), and London Lamar (D-Memphis-District 33).
The companion House Bill 0727 (HB0727) was set to be heard on the House Floor yesterday, but that was rolled to the next calendar session on Wednesday, April 19.
About the Author: Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative ~ Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others. He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History. Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com
