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Committee advances bill to designate James K. Polk Day despite objections over slavery legacy
Summary
Chairman Bullso's bill to designate November 2 as James K. Polk Day moved forward after representatives debated Polk's record as both Tennessee governor and U.S. president and objected to honoring a slave owner; tally reported 7 ayes, 2 nays, 1 present-not-voting.
Chairman Bullso introduced HB 14-79 to add November 2 to Tennessee's calendar as James K. Polk Day, highlighting Polk's service as Tennessee governor and U.S. president and referencing territorial expansions during his presidency. Several members objected to honoring Polk without addressing his slave ownership and called for more deliberation.
Representative Dixie asked that the bill be rolled or tabled, pointing to Polk's history as a slave owner and saying commemorations can reopen wounds for descendants. Chairman Bullso defended the measure on historical grounds and declined the request to roll. The committee then called the previous question and advanced HB 14-79 with a reported tally of 7 ayes, 2 nays and 1 present-not-voting; the bill moves to State and Local Government with a positive recommendation.
"This bill seeks to designate, November 2 on our state calendar as a special day of observance as James K Polk day," Chairman Bullso said, noting Polk's time as the 11th president and governor. Representative Dixie responded, "He supported slavery... Why would we continue to honor people or do something that demeaned my ancestors?"
