TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Feb 23, 2021

The Senate Republican Caucus on Monday asked Tennessee colleges to adopt policies that would prevent student athletes from kneeling during “The Star Spangled Banner,” the Tennessean reports. The letter comes after members of East Tennessee State University’s men’s basketball team knelt during the national anthem before a game on Feb. 16. Senate Republicans expressed outrage in legislative meetings, social media posts and on local news segments before finally sending the letter, which was signed by all 27 members of the Caucus.  The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee in a statement today condemned policies such as those in the letter, calling them unconstitutional. ETSU men’s basketball coaches have said the team meant no disrespect, but instead sought to prompt discussions on racial inequality.