§ 49-6-8002. Legislative Findings
The general assembly finds the following: Judicial decisions concerning religion, free speech and public education are widely misunderstood and misapplied; Confusion surrounding these decisions has resulted in needless litigation and conflicts; The supreme court of the United States has ruled that the establishment clause of the first amendment to the United States constitution requires that […]
§ 49-6-8003. Part Definitions
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: “Establishment clause” means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws respecting an establishment of religion; “Free exercise clause” means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws prohibiting the free exercise of […]
§ 49-6-8004. Rights of Employees
A school employee shall have the right to carry out an activity described in any of subdivisions (b)(1)-(4); provided, that the school employee: Does not interfere with the rights of other school employees; Does not disrupt the educational process; Does not harass other persons or coerce other persons to participate in the activity; and Does […]
§ 49-6-8005. Construction With First Amendment Establishment Clause
Nothing in this part shall be construed to affect, interpret or in any way address the establishment clause. The specification of religious liberty or free speech rights in this part shall not be construed to exclude or limit religious liberty or free speech rights otherwise protected by federal, state or local law.
§ 49-6-8006. Employees Should Not Violate First Amendment Establishment Clause
Nothing in this part shall be construed to support, encourage or permit a school employee to lead, direct or encourage any religious or antireligious activity in violation of that portion of the first amendment of the United States constitution prohibiting laws respecting an establishment of religion.
§ 49-6-8001. Short Title
This part shall be known and may be cited as the “Tennessee School Employee Religious Liberty Act of 1999.”