NASHVILLE, TN – The narrow passage of SB836 (Watson) in the Tennessee State senate makes one thing clear: the growing bipartisan opposition including constituents, faith leaders, business owners, veterans, lawmakers from both parties, children, and educators is weakening support for this cruel attack on children’s education ahead of its next consequential vote, Monday, April 14, at 9AM CT in the state House Finance Ways and Means Subcommittee.
The Education For All Tennessee campaign of more than 60 partner organizations released the following statement in response to the Senate’s narrow passage of the bill:
“For generations our country has ensured all children an education, no matter where they’re from because it makes us stronger. This cruel attack on children is a betrayal of those American values that doesn’t just cost us morally — it forces taxpayers to foot the bill to defend it in court, pay to implement it, and risks losing millions in education funding. All to punish kids who’ve done nothing wrong.
Imagine being a 5th grade student wondering what happened to your friends. Imagine a child being told they can no longer go to school because of where they’re from.
Now, we turn our eyes to Monday’s critical House vote in the subcommittee. We urge every Tennessean to call their representative, show up, and speak out at educationforalltn.org/take-action
With razor-thin vote margins and growing bipartisan opposition, this bill can still be stopped. Tennessee families deserve better than a bill that targets kids and divides communities. Let’s make sure our lawmakers hear us — and vote accordingly.
Every child deserves an education — no matter where they were born.”
The bill’s Senate passage comes despite constant, vocal opposition from Tennesseans across the state. From Republicans like Sen. Pody and Rep. Mark White, to faith leaders, educators, veterans, business owners, and children themselves — Tennesseans of all backgrounds are united in opposition to this harmful legislation:
- Republican Sen. Pody said he could not support a bill that would “go after children,” and fellow Republican Rep. Mark White said, “Keeping immigrant families away from education and economic opportunities ultimately costs the state more than just providing an equal education.”
- 240+ Tennessee Christian faith leaders said in an open letter to lawmakers, “These bills are antithetical to how scripture commands us to treat our immigrant neighbors.”
- 50+ Tennessee business leaders — including over 2 dozen from Sen. Watson’s own district — said in a Tennessee Small Business Alliance statement, “Going after children to deny them an education when [Sen. Bo Watson] knows it is already paid for by immigrants in our state isn’t just cruel — it’s unethical, fiscally irresponsible, and politically desperate.”
- Children have said, “I don’t want any of my friends taken away,” and “If this law passes, where will our dreams go? What will happen to the future doctors, teachers and leaders sitting in classrooms today?” (source).
Veteran Bob Tuke, Retired U.S. Marine said, “We fought for American values, one of them being that CHILDREN shouldn’t be political targets like this.”
The bill’s next key vote is scheduled for this Monday, April 14, at 9AM CT in the state house Finance Ways and Means Subcommittee.
