great letter! HB 368 has gone nationwide!

[Carol Landis]

Judy has given me permission to post her letter to Gov. Haslam as a blog...

Dear Governor Haslam:

 

You have probably noticed by now that the HB 368 conversation has gone nationwide on radio, newspapers and television.  Please don't deride the media for that.  This bill, while it may sound frivolous, is exceedingly serious and has grim implications not only for the state, but for the entire country.  There are ads running on The Masters Tournament pointing out that the US students placed 26th out of 65 countries in math and science test scores.  Not a record to be proud of.

  

If you sign this bill, it will go far beyond ridicule and humiliation for the state of Tennessee.  It will serverely damage our science program and cripple students, just at a time when Tennessee is fighting to climb out from the bottom of the states' education ranking.  Your action with regard to this bill will define your stand on responsible education and serve as your legacy.

 

A petition is currently running online that I urge you to read.  It is signed by parents, teachers, scientists, physicians, ministers, Christians, Republicans, all imploring you to veto HB 368 for a host of excellent reasons.  There are no good reasons to pass it.  There simply are not.

 

Please stand tall for Tennessee and our future.  Please veto this bill.  Thank you.

 

Respectfully,

 

Judith Murray

Kingsport, TN