Tennessee House Bill HB1377

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 3/21/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-6-1019, relative to prohibited concepts.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1377 is intended to enhance oversight and accountability within the education system. By establishing procedures for filing and addressing complaints, it aims to empower stakeholders in the educational community, fostering a more responsive environment in schools concerning alleged violations of prohibited concepts. This could lead to increased scrutiny of educational content and practices, influencing school curricula and potentially altering how teachers approach sensitive topics.

Summary

House Bill 1377 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-6-1019, to introduce new provisions regarding complaints related to prohibited concepts within local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools. The bill establishes a formal process through which 'eligible complainants' — defined as students, parents, guardians, school employees, or residents with knowledge of violations — can file complaints. The LEAs are then required to review these complaints and issue written determinations regarding their validity, maintaining transparency in the process by posting outcomes on their websites.

Contention

Notably, the bill is set against a backdrop of ongoing debates regarding what constitutes 'prohibited concepts' in education. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to overreach and discourage open dialogue in the classroom, while supporters might contend that it protects against the promotion of ideologies that some consider divisive or inappropriate. Moreover, the requirement for LEAs and charter schools to publish complaint determinations ensures transparency, but may also invite public scrutiny and political pressure on academic institutions regarding teaching methodologies and materials.