Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House passes bill establishing annual instructional day on founding principles after heated education debate
Summary
Chairman Rudd’s bill to require an annual instructional day on the U.S. founding principles passed after floor debate over whether the legislation omits discussion of slavery and Native American genocide; opponents urged the curriculum include those historical realities.
The Tennessee House approved House Bill 18-57 on third and final consideration, creating an annual instructional day intended to teach founding principles such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Chairman Rudd told the House the bill "simply states that, to fulfill previous instructions by the legislature that an instructional day be annually held during the school session" to teach founding documents and related topics. Rudd said the bill includes the subject matter and scope of instruction in its text.
Representative Jones offered an amendment to require the instruction to apply to any school that accepts vouchers; the amendment failed on a point of consideration and then a formal vote failed to receive the required two-thirds consideration. Jones argued the amendment was about equity and ensuring schools taking public funds teach the same requirements as public schools.
Representative Pearson pressed the point that teaching founding principles must include the paradox of America’s founding, including the enslavement of African Americans and the genocide of Native Americans. "To teaching about the enslavement of African American people in The United States Of America is not a political slant," Pearson said, arguing legislators must "tell the whole truth." Chairman Rudd replied that the bill focuses on founding principles and that the detailed subject matter is laid out in the legislation.
The previous question was ordered and the House voted; the clerk recorded a final tally of 71 yeas and 20 nays and a majority was declared. The bill passed on third and final consideration; the sponsor said it preserves the teaching of founding documents and does not add burdensome new requirements.
No further appropriations or implementation details were discussed on the floor; sponsors said the bill references curricula and books approved by the state as appropriate.
