Crockett Statement on Unconstitutional Expulsion of Two Black Members of the Tennessee Three

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) released the following statement after the unconstitutional expulsion of Tennessee Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson.

"Last night, a truly disgraceful action was taken by the Republican Supermajority in the Tennessee Legislature: two duly elected Black representatives were un-democratically ejected from office and 130,000 Tennesseans were robbed of representation. Why?

"Because these two elected representatives dared to exercise their First Amendment rights while Black. And that's an offense the Tennessee legislature - a body with a long history of racial discrimination and which currently houses Members that publicly support the practice of lynching - will not abide, even as they go out of their way to seat Republican Members credibly accused of sexual harassment. 

"This move by the Tennessee GOP had nothing to do with decorum. This was about silencing the voices of those that dare to push back against the rising tide of authoritarianism in Republican state governments across this country. It was the White Republican establishment attempting to put two young Black legislators in their place - an experience I remember all too well from my own time in the Texas Legislature. It will go down in history as the moment when the 'Party of Free Speech' finally showed its true face - a face deformed by authoritarian attitudes and racial resentment. The American people will never forget what they saw, and we demand accountability and answers from every Member that participated in this fascist farce."

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Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett represents portions of Dallas and Tarrant Counties, with the cities of Dallas, Grand Prairie, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Wilmer, Arlington, Ovilla, and Seagoville.