Tennessee House Bill HB1405

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 4-1-405; Section 4-1-412 and Title 49, relative to schools.

Impact

The legislation stipulates that the local boards of education for LEAs and the governing bodies of public charter schools possess the exclusive authority to choose their mascots without interference from state agencies. This change establishes a clearer boundary regarding the autonomy of education-related organizations to shape their cultural symbols and embrace diversity while aligning with broader social values.

Summary

House Bill 1405 aims to amend certain sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 4-1-405 and 4-1-412, along with Title 49, in relation to schools' mascots. The bill recognizes that Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools select mascots to represent their institutions. It asserts the authority of these entities to change mascots whenever they want to honor specific individuals or cultures or to stop recognizing certain symbols in their representations.

Contention

Controversies surrounding this bill may arise from differing opinions on mascot representations, especially as they relate to cultural sensitivity and historical figures. While supporters may argue that local control allows for a more appropriate representation of the school’s values and history, opponents may raise concerns over the lack of standardized guidelines that could prevent the use of historically contentious symbols. Thus, the bill could trigger discussions about heritage, identity, and the responsibilities of educational institutions in their choices of representation.