Reported Incidents
For Tennessee
Incidents are community-reported or sourced from third parties, and are allegations — not established facts. Incidents describe institutions, never individuals.
Law school accreditation comments
Alleged statewide incident in Tennessee
A group submitted a public comment to the Tennessee Supreme Court regarding potential reforms to bar admission rules. The comment argued against the American Bar Association's role in accrediting law schools, citing ideological bias. The group encouraged the court to consider alternative accreditation models.
Board urges border closure, funding
Alleged incident in Rutherford County School District · Tennessee
A school board passed a resolution advocating for the closure of national borders. The resolution also requested increased federal funding for English as a Second Language programs. This action was taken due to a significant increase in the district's English Learner student population.
School System Contracts Panorama Surveys
Alleged statewide incident in Tennessee
A school system entered into a contract with Panorama Education for over $51,000 to administer well-being surveys to K-12 students. The agreement, dated May 8, 2024, also includes funds for professional development and data integration. This initiative has raised concerns among community members regarding the nature of the surveys.
Conservative Group Mission Statement
Alleged statewide incident in Tennessee
An advocacy group in West Tennessee outlines its mission. The organization aims to educate, connect, and activate Christian conservatives. Its goal is to preserve constitutional freedoms.
Parents Advocate for Education
Alleged statewide incident in Tennessee
A parent advocacy group has formed in Jefferson County, Tennessee. This organization aims to preserve civil rights and ensure education aligns with a republican form of government. They also seek to hold elected officials accountable for their duties.
School Staff Privilege Training
Alleged statewide incident in Tennessee
A school system provided staff with professional development materials that included a chart categorizing groups by privilege and oppression based on race, gender, and religion. The training also discussed "cultural humility" and listed resources promoting LGBTQ+ issues, including for young children. This content was part of a 2023 professional learning conference.
Staff trained on privilege, oppression
Alleged statewide incident in Tennessee
A school district conducted a staff training session focusing on concepts of privilege and oppression. The training included discussions on White Christian privilege and the oppression of polyamorous individuals. This event aimed to educate staff on these ideological topics.
Parent Advocacy Group Mission
Alleged statewide incident in Tennessee
A parent advocacy group in Tennessee aims to empower parents in public education decisions. The organization seeks to influence curriculum choices, educational materials, and values taught in schools.
School promotes DEI, CRT book
Alleged incident at St Mary's Episcopal School · Tennessee
The school's website promotes various affinity groups based on race and sexual orientation as part of a broader diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative. This includes a "Director of Belonging" and a committee focused on DEI. Additionally, a summer reading list for seventh graders features a book known to promote Critical Race Theory tenets.
Gender policy sparks resignations
Alleged incident at Harpeth Hall School · Tennessee
An all-girls school paused its new gender identity policy after receiving significant pushback from its community. Parents, alumnae, and donors expressed a loss of trust and are now calling for the resignation of administration and board members. The community also threatened to withhold financial contributions until their demands are met.
Gender policy sparks parent backlash
Alleged incident at Harpeth Hall School · Tennessee
An all-girls school paused a new policy that would accept applications from biological males identifying as females after significant parental and alumnae opposition. This policy was part of the institution's broader diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives. Parents expressed concern that the school was prioritizing political activism over education.
District Adopts Panorama SEL
Alleged incident in Wilson County School District · Tennessee
A school district is moving to approve a contract for Social Emotional Learning and student surveys. The agreement with Panorama Education includes tracking student demographics like gender identity and promoting equity initiatives. This program will cost the district nearly $180,000.
County Funds Restorative Justice Program
Alleged incident in Hamilton County School District · Tennessee
The Hamilton County Commission allocated $70,000 to a non-profit to implement restorative justice practices in its schools. This initiative aims to address racial disparities in student discipline. A pilot program at one elementary school reportedly reduced suspensions.
Board Member, Equity Audit, Race
Alleged incident in Knox County School District · Tennessee
A school district partnered with a consulting firm, whose CEO is also a school board member, to conduct an equity audit. The audit recommended race-based affinity groups and hiring practices for educators. Despite the district denying a contract, a foundation paid the consulting group for this work.
District Funds Race-Based Training
Alleged incident in Hamilton County School District · Tennessee
A school district allocated $50,000 to a consultant for equity and cultural competence training, as well as affinity groups for educators of color. These programs were implemented during the 2021-2022 school year. The district's website states the groups offer networking and professional development opportunities.
Tennessee Group Opposes Indoctrination
Alleged statewide incident in Tennessee
A Tennessee-based organization is launching a tour to promote constitutional values and address concerns about perceived indoctrination within schools. The group aims to mobilize citizens to advocate for personal liberties in the educational system. This initiative reflects a broader concern about the content and methods of teaching.
Teacher's unapproved racial lesson
Alleged incident at Sterchi Elementary School · Knox County School District · Tennessee
A school district investigated an elementary art teacher for using unapproved materials in a lesson for 4th and 5th graders. The lesson included a book and video with controversial statements regarding police and race. This prompted a district-level investigation into the curriculum violation.
Hamilton County 'white privilege' training
Alleged incident in Hamilton County School District · Tennessee
The Hamilton County School District conducted a 'white privilege' training for its teachers. The curriculum included controversial statements about race and racism. The district later stated that the presentation slides were taken out of context.