“That two Black men were expelled for standing up against the murder of children—but not their white counterpart—says it all.”

(PITTSBURGH, PA) – Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) released the following statement after Republicans in the Tennessee House voted to expel two Black lawmakers for standing with Nashville students and community members protesting the elementary school shooting that killed six people, including three children last week. 

“What we’re seeing in TN tonight is straight up fascism in its ugliest, most racist form,” said Congresswoman Lee. “There is no justification for ousting two legislators who were protesting with and for their constituents.”

“That two Black men were expelled for standing up against the murder of children—but not their white counterpart—says it all.“

“People are dying because Republicans want to put politics over the lives of the people they represent. They ask for safety for themselves, but not for school children, and they’ll sacrifice the lives of our loved ones for their lobbyists.”

“Now is NOT the time to be on the sidelines. We better fight back before it’s too late.”

After hours of intense debate, the Tennessee House expelled Black House members Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) on a 72-25 vote and Rep. Justin J. Pearson (D-Memphis) on a 69-26 vote, but failed to obtain the two-thirds majority needed to oust Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) out of the chamber. When Johnson was asked why she was spared by her Republican Colleagues, she bluntly said “I’ll answer your question; it might have to do with the color of our skin.”

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