TLRC position
Support
2025 · Education · Social
Protects individuals from liability for refusing to use preferred pronouns.
HB 1262 / SB 1252
Bill description
Permit teachers, staff, and students to refuse preferred pronouns inconsistent with biological sex and shield them from liability or discipline.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to public schools.
Bill sponsors
House co-sponsors · 15
Scott Cepicky R, Jody Barrett R, Jay Reedy R, Gino Bulso R, Renea Jones R, Lee Reeves R, Chris Hurt R, Todd Warner R, Esther Helton-Haynes R, Greg Vital R, Greg Martin R, Fred Atchley R, Monty Fritts R, Chris Todd R, Tom Stinnett R
TLRC statement
This bill protects students, teachers, and school employees from being forced to use so-called “preferred pronouns” that do not align with a person’s biological sex. This bill ensures that no one can be held civilly or legally liable for refusing to participate in gender ideology in public schools and local education agencies (LEAs).
Currently, woke policies are being pushed into schools and workplaces, compelling individuals to use false pronouns under threat of punishment or legal action. HB 1262 / SB 1252 puts a stop to this nonsense by making it clear that no teacher, student, or employee can be forced to comply, nor can they be fired, disciplined, or sued for choosing to recognize biological reality.
This is a common-sense protection for free speech and individual liberties. No person should be coerced into affirming someone’s gender delusion under fear of retribution. This bill ensures that Tennessee schools remain grounded in truth, not in radical social agendas.
By passing this legislation, Tennessee takes a stand against gender ideology mandates and upholds the right of every individual to speak the truth without fear of punishment.