The Republican-controlled Tennessee House passed legislation on Monday that would largely ban the display of LGBTQ flags in public school classrooms. (AP)
"I am proud when I walk into the public schools in my city, to see the LGBTQ flag in the classrooms, proudly put up by teachers who understand the suffering that many of their students go through," Democrat Rep. Jason Powell said. "We should be welcoming and celebrating our students, not hating on them."
The bill defines "displaying" a flag by a school or employee as exhibiting or placing the item "anywhere students may see the object."
The measure would allow certain flags to be displayed, with exceptions for some scenarios. Approved flags include the U.S. flag, the Tennessee flag, flags considered protected historical items under state law, as well as flags of Native American tribes, local governments' armed forces and prisoners of war or those missing in action, other countries and their local governments, colleges or universities or the schools themselves.
Other flags could be temporarily displayed as part of a "bona fide" course curriculum. Certain groups allowed to use school buildings may also show their flags while using the grounds under the bill.
Tennessee Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, presents a bill on the House floor that would prevent Pride flags from being displayed in schools during a legislative session. (AP)
Earlier this month, the American Civil Liberties Union sent a letter to town, school and school district officials warning that under First Amendment court precedent, "public schools may prohibit private on-campus speech only insofar as it substantially interferes with or disrupts the educational environment, or interferes with the rights of other students."
Bulso said displaying the Pride flag does not constitute protected free speech for school employees.
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The bill comes as Tennessee Republicans have already moved to restrict classroom conversations about gender and sexuality, ban gender transition treatment for minors and limit events where certain drag performers are allowed.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/tennessee-house-passes-bill-largely-ban-lgbtq-flags-public-school-classrooms