Why Did These 5 Vote to Boot Black Tennessee Reps but Keep Their White Colleague?
Republican lawmakers were quick to expel two Black Democrats from the Tennessee House of Representatives Thursday after they protested against gun violence. However, their white colleague, who joined the protest, was narrowly spared, leading many critics to call the decision racially charged.
Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson were expelled when 72 lawmakers and 69 lawmakers voted for their ouster, respectively. Those lawmakers argued the March 30 protest for gun control after the mass shooting at Nashville’s Covenant School broke decorum rules, particularly as a bullhorn was used on the House floor to grab attention.
But Rep. Gloria Jones, who was also on the chopping block, received 65 votes, one short of the 66-vote majority needed to oust her.