A proposal to let some Tennessee students make religious speeches at school is on its way to a floor vote in the state House of Representatives, despite fears it could have unintended consequences.
The bill aims to give Christians more opportunities to express their beliefs, says sponsor Andy Holt – a Republican from Dresden. But the measure might not work as advertised, according to Chuck Cagle, a lawyer for the state Organization of School Superintendents. Cagle spoke Tuesday to the House Education Committee.
“Those religious activities don’t [just] cover those of us who are Protestant – they cover everybody. They cover the Wiccans, and those of Jewish faith. And the Seventh Circuit [U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals] has even recognized atheism as a religion.”
Only high-achieving students would be eligible to make such speeches. Meanwhile a Senate version of the measure is up in that chamber’s Education Committee Wednesday.
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