Tennessee Senate Bill SB0937

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Engrossed: 4/3/25
• Enrolled: 4/23/25
• Passed: 5/9/25
• Chaptered: 5/15/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 9, Chapter 8; Title 29, Chapter 20 and Title 49, relative to freedom of speech.

Impact

By enacting SB 0937, state law will provide clearer legal backing for individuals resisting the compulsory use of preferred pronouns and names that conflict with their gender. It emphasizes the right of students and staff to assert their personal beliefs without facing adverse repercussions, thereby potentially shifting the landscape of interactions concerning gender identity in public educational institutions. However, this law intends to ensure civil protections are in place, allowing individuals to address and refer to others in a manner consistent with their legal identifiers rather than their asserted identities.

Summary

Senate Bill 0937 seeks to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to strengthen the protection of freedom of speech for students, teachers, employees, and contractors in public schools and higher education institutions. The bill asserts that individuals in these environments do not forfeit their constitutional rights to free speech and expression while engaged in educational activities. It explicitly states that no one should be compelled to use a preferred name or pronoun that does not align with their legal name or does not correspond with their sex, marking a significant impact on how identity is respected in educational settings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 0937 is polarized. Proponents argue that the bill fortifies individual rights and freedoms, preventing institutional overreach into personal identity matters. Opponents, however, fear that the bill may undermine efforts to create inclusive environments that respect gender identities and could enable discrimination under the guise of free speech. The debate encapsulates broader discussions on personal rights versus institutional policies relating to gender and identity within state education systems.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns that the legislation might lead to challenges in fostering acceptance and respect for diverse gender identities in public education. Critics contend that it places roadblocks in efforts to validate students' and staff's genders, potentially exacerbating discrimination. There is apprehension about how SB 0937 may influence the dynamics of classroom interactions and the responsibilities of educators pertaining to LGBTQ+ youth, particularly in instances where adherence to the law might conflict with principles of respect and acceptance.