A Public Political Lynching
Tennessee Republicans expelled two black state lawmakers of the Tennessee Three for supporting student protesters calling for gun reform.
The Tennessee Three are state lawmakers who joined student protesters fighting for gun reform. Rep. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones, the two black members of the Tennessee Three were expelled from the state legislature by GOP lawmakers, while one of their colleagues, a white woman, was spared—but only just. In a state where race is often a proxy for partisan affiliation, this development has especially dire implications for Black officials. Jones rightfully stated, "What we saw yesterday was a public lynching, let’s be real, and it was meant to set an example... But we did not bow down. And that’s what I think has them really upset, is that we didn’t break. We didn’t bow down. They want us to feel broken, but we left with our fists up in the air, because we knew that this was not the end, that they may expel us, but they can’t expel our movements. And that’s what terrifies them... And we see clearly, the nation has seen clearly what is going on in Tennessee.”
Tennessee representatives Justin Jones (center) and Justin Pearson (right) at the Tennessee state house, where they were expelled from the House of Representatives on Thursday.
The Tennessee GOP’s Ruthless Priorities, New York Magazine | 4/7/2023
By Zak Cheney-Rice
Republican lawmakers in Tennessee expelled two of their black Democratic colleagues for purportedly bringing “disorder and dishonor” to the House of Representatives.
Most state legislatures are able to expel members, but it is generally reserved as a punishment for lawmakers accused of serious misconduct, not as a weapon against political opponents.
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