A debate over a controversial bill aimed at limiting educational access for certain immigrant children was interrupted on Monday when two Lutheran pastors knelt in front of a House committee room and began reciting the Lord’s Prayer. Others in the audience quickly joined them.
The bill, HB793/SB836, sponsored by Republican Senator Bo Watson of Hixson and House Majority Leader William Lamberth of Portland, would allow public school districts to verify the immigration status of students. If a student cannot prove legal residency, they could be charged tuition or even be barred from enrolling in public schools.
Previous hearings on the bill have seen large, vocal audiences, including clergy who have interrupted debates with the Pledge of Allegiance and songs like “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” On Monday, as the Christian prayer was recited, Republicans called for a vote and quickly exited the room. The bill passed by a narrow 8-7 vote.
A similar bill in the Senate is now heading to a floor vote. While both versions of the bill share key elements, they differ in one important area: the Senate version requires schools to check the immigration status of students, while the House version makes this an option for districts.
Rep. John Ray Clemmons, a Democrat from Nashville, spoke out passionately against the bill, calling it an unfair way to “discriminate against innocent children who have no idea whether they are undocumented or not.” Clemmons, frustrated by the lack of empathy from some lawmakers, argued that the bill would ultimately cost the state more money due to higher crime rates, healthcare costs, and the long-term economic impact of children not finishing high school.
“Not finishing high school costs the state of Tennessee money,” Clemmons said. “This makes no sense.”
Lamberth has pointed to the rising costs of English-language instruction in Tennessee’s public schools as one reason for the bill. However, critics have noted that many English language learners are legal immigrants. Lamberth has also made it clear that the bill’s purpose is to challenge the Supreme Court’s 1982 decision in Plyler v. Doe, which upheld the right of all children, regardless of immigration status, to receive public education.
Although the bill does not require schools to report undocumented students to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Watson, a co-sponsor of the bill, mentioned that such action could be included in future regulations from the state Department of Education, should the bill pass.
Rep. Monty Fritts, a Republican from Kingston, expressed support for the bill, calling illegal immigration a “rebellion” against the United States. His remarks sparked jeers from the audience, and TIRRC Votes, the political action group for the Tennessee Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, responded strongly. Judith Clerjeune, the group’s advocacy director, accused Republicans of trying to distract from larger issues.
“An unelected billionaire is hijacking Tennesseans’ retirement accounts while a lawless president defies court orders,” Clerjeune said. “The real insurrection is happening right before our eyes.”
The meeting on Monday also saw about a dozen clergy members from various religious denominations, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the United Methodist Church, and the Church of Christ. These faith leaders are part of a larger group of over 240 religious leaders who have signed a letter urging lawmakers to oppose the bill.
“We are calling on you to consider the impact of your vote and use your influence to create welcoming communities for our neighbors,” the letter stated.
The bill will next be heard in the House Finance Committee next week.
