John, 

Last night, I watched in horror as Republicans in the Tennessee House of Representatives expelled two Black men, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson. 

They were removed from the House after leading demonstrations calling for new gun control laws following the horrific school shooting in Nashville last week. The third woman who led the demonstrations, who is White, was not ousted.

It’s a shocking affront to our democracy, and it’s horrifically racist — plain and simple. 

This is not the way our democracy should work. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson were democratically elected. Their expulsion is not only an affront to these two men, but a move to disenfranchise every single voter in their districts — continuing on a shameful legacy of silencing marginalized communities and the representatives they elect.

Now, there’s a possibility for Justin Jones and Justin Pearson to be reappointed to their seats in the interim, until a new election is held. We’re collecting signatures to shore up support and ensure these men take back their rightful seats, and I’m asking you to add your name now:

We plan to continue standing up for the young people in Tennessee who deserve to see new gun safety laws, and to have representatives fighting for them in the statehouse. 

Thank you for standing with us, 

Katie