“We stand in full solidarity with ousted Tennessee Representatives Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) and Justin Jones (D-Nashville) who were unjustly expelled from the state legislature for protesting against gun violence. We believe that the right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, and the actions of these legislators were a powerful demonstration of their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of their constituents.

The fact that only two members of the Tennessee Three were expelled, both of whom are Black, raises serious questions about the motivations behind this decision. It is hard to believe that this was a coincidence, and it is clear that this decision has disproportionately affected members of a specific racial group. This is a clear example of systemic racism at work, and it is unacceptable.

Gun violence has become an all too common occurrence in our country, and it is time for elected officials to take bold action to address this crisis, just like Pearson, Jones, and Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville). The “Tennessee Three” were simply exercising their First Amendment rights to bring attention to the urgent need for common-sense gun reform measures. Their expulsion from the legislature is a clear violation of their rights and a perversion of democracy.

The world is watching as the Tennessee GOP-led chamber treats protesters, specifically Black protesters, with harsher consequences than those members of the legislature accused of sexual misconduct.”