Small Business Group Criticizes Lamberth/Watson Anti-Kids Bill

Lawmakers have turned cruelty into legislative proposals

The Tennessee Small Business Alliance celebrated a House subcommittee move that may signal delay or even defeat of legislation sponsored by Rep. William Lamberth and Sen. Bo Watson. The Lamberth/Watson bill in question would allow public schools to exclude certain children from access to education because of the perceived sins of their parents.

What better time than Holy Week for a rebuke to powerful oppressors?

In a statement to the media, the Small Business Alliance said of the committee’s move to place HB793 “behind the budget” –

“This is an admission that Sen. Watson and Rep. Lamberth’s attack on children isn’t just morally indefensible—it’s fiscally reckless,” said the Tennessee Small Business Alliance. “So we want to know: will they finally drop their crusade against these children?”

Some Republican lawmakers are also speaking out against Watson and Lamberth’s cruelty:

“Keeping immigrant families away from education and economic opportunities ultimately costs the state more than just providing an equal education,” said Rep. Mark White of Memphis.

MORE EDUCATION NEWS

Vouchers and the Death of Public Schools

What the “Dismantling” of Dept. of Ed Means for Schools

Pastors Dismayed as Senate Votes for Anti-Immigrant Education Bill

Lawmakers seek to punish kids to appease Trump

A group of Tennessee pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition is speaking out against cruel anti-immigrant legislation sponsored by Senator Bo Watson and Rep. William Lamberth. The measure passed the Senate this week.

In a statement released to the media, the group explained their opposition to the measure that would allow public schools and charter schools to refused to educate the children of immigrants unless they can prove their legal status.

Rev. Monica Mowdy, United Methodist minister and former educator, said:

“As a Christian pastor and former teacher, I believe the words of Jesus when He tells us to care for the vulnerable and the children in our communities. I’m ashamed that Senator Bailey’s vote yesterday was in direct violation of our call as Christians. He refused to even hear the concerns of a constituent and pastor he’s represented for over 20 years.”

The group expressed hope that the vote will go differently in the House:

“It’s my hope and prayer that things go quite differently in the House,” said Rev. Mowdy. “We are called, above all, to love our neighbor and protect the vulnerable. This bill fails that test.”

low angle view of cross against sky at night
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

MORE EDUCATION NEWS

How Vouchers Kill Local Public Schools

Money Matters for Schools

Speaking Out Against Exclusion

Pastors continue to challenge lawmakers on bill that attacks children of immigrants

From NewsBreak:

Rev. Jean Norton of Madison, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, released a video statement explaining her opposition.

“My faith tells me that we are to support and welcome the least among us, and among the most vulnerable are children,”

exterior of school building in daytime
Photo by Mary Taylor on Pexels.com

MORE EDUCATION NEWS

Vouchers are Bad: An Ohio Story

Bill Lee vs. Hungry Kids

MORE TENNESSEE NEWS

Fairness in Girls Sports

Against Dismantling Department of Education

Bo Watson and Immigrant Education

It seems some of Sen. Bo Watson’s constituents are not too excited about his bill to essentially force Tennessee into a showdown with a Supreme Court decision on educating the children of undocumented immigrants.

Rev. Laura Becker, pastor of Northminster Presbyterian Church, refers to the effect of the bill as “harmful discrimination.”

“Not only am I a parent, a pastor, and a Tennessean, I’m a constituent of Bo Watson – the Senate sponsor of SB 0836 that allows school districts to refuse public school education to students based on their immigration status. I believe that every child is made in the image of God, and this kind of harmful discrimination against beloved children of God is offensive to me as a parent and as a pastor.”

exterior of school building in daytime
Photo by Mary Taylor on Pexels.com

MORE EDUCATION NEWS

Yes, Money Matters

Trump and Christian Nationalism

MORE TENNESSEE NEWS

Speaking Out on TN’s Death Penalty

Taking on Medical Debt