Dear Supporter,

The Tennessee House and Senate passed legislation (HB 0580/SB 0623) in the waning hours of the 2021 session that prohibits state funding to public schools that allow teachers to explore race and racism with their students. This bill will whitewash curricula about America's past, providing a revisionist history that omits white oppression, the discrimination of marginalized groups and sexism. Both white children and children of color are also harmed when a full understanding of challenging topics like racism is prohibited in their classrooms. Our communities, our cities and our state are at a disadvantage when our students lack a world-view that includes insights into historical systemic racism. These types of baseless curricula will be harmful to all students, especially Black and Brown students who deserve to see accurate representations of themselves in their education. Marginalized students in Davidson and Shelby counties are already at an unfair disadvantage due to underfunding, and this legislation will further compound the challenges for students of color to learn.

The General Assembly passed this bill on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, but it has not made it to the Governor Lee's desk. Once it gets there, he has 10 days to sign it. There are several organizations, including Tennessee Education Association, Metropolitan Nashville Education Association and EdTrust, that have voiced their disapproval.

NOAH is uniting with these and other groups to oppose this amended bill and any actions to make it worse. Please join us by submitting your contact information, sending an email to Governor Lee, and sharing it with your members to do the same. Once you submit your information,  you will be provided a suggested letter that will be emailed to Governor Lee.

Thank you for your participation!