Tennessee law mandates that public comments at meetings must relate to the agenda items. This interpretation was challenged during the Murfreesboro City School Board meeting on Tuesday, December 10.
Pastor John K. Amanchukwu Sr. voiced his concerns about the children’s book “It Feels Good to be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity” by Theresa Thorn, which is available at Bradley Academy.
As he expressed his disapproval, Board Chairman Butch Campbell repeatedly called him out of order for straying from the topic of the revenue process. Despite the interruptions, Amanchukwu continued, leading to escalating tensions in the audience, with attendees shouting in response. In light of the disruption, board members voted to recess the meeting.
In related news, Williamson County’s school board has removed certain book titles and imposed restrictions on others. Additionally, State Rep. Elaine Davis (R-Knoxville) has introduced House Bill 22, which would permit public comments on any topic, regardless of whether it appears on the meeting agenda. She provided the following statement to News 2:
“Government works best when it’s closest to the people. Public meetings and comments are the best example of direct citizen engagement with elected leaders and the democratic process. House Bill 22 protects the citizens’ rights to share their opinions with public servants elected to represent them on issues germane to that governing body’s scope of responsibilities, regardless of whether the topic is on the meeting’s agenda. This legislation ensures citizens’ voices are not unintentionally stifled, and ultimately, I hope it encourages more people to participate in the legislative process.”
Rep. Elaine Davis