Tennessee public schools need your help!
Two quickly advancing bills are threatening to erode the line between public education and religious indoctrination, while racking up millions in public spending. House Bill 1491 and its Senate companion, Senate Bill 1714, are the latest attempts to shove religion on public schools, and we need your help to stop them. Take this chance to tell the House Judiciary Committee to keep public schools focused on secular education!
These bills force public schools to create a period of prayer, clearly signaling the true intention behind them. Beyond the intent to force religion on students, the bill also requires schools to teach a curriculum about Israeli history and the bible, specifically calling out “the life of Jesus, the history of the early Christian church and the Bible’s influence on western civilization.” The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Gino Bulso, stated that implementing textbooks to meet these requirements could cost between $18 and $37 million. School districts should not be forced to spend millions of dollars on a religiously biased curriculum, and there are plenty of better uses for that much money. Please take this chance to speak up!
SB 1714 is being heard today, but HB 1491 will be heard by the House Judiciary Committee tomorrow, March 18, so this is your opportunity to fight back! We have included suggested language through the “Take Action” button that can be edited by clicking or tapping on the pencil icon. The best way to get lawmakers’ attention is to share your personal perspective, so please take the time to share your own story if you can.
Additionally, after sending the emails, you will be prompted to call lawmakers as well — even leaving a phone message shows your dedication to the cause! For best results, please be succinct and polite. Please act now, before the bill’s hearing tomorrow.
(Note: You must live in Tennessee in order to take part in this action alert.)