The Legislature will not be meeting the week of January 19. There will be no Zoom Community Update and Phone Bank this week. Legislators will continue to file bills and we will continue to prepare for the legislative session.

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

Today marks the federal holiday commemorating the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  TEP will be closed.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

Chattanooga:  What you can do in Chattanooga to advocate for LGBTQ people during the legislative session. RSVP and learn more at the link.

Nashville:  TEP will provide a legislative update at the PFLAG Nashville meeting.  Learn more at the link.

ANY TIME

SHOW UP:  If you would like to be involved with the Balcony Brigade, contact Brian Sullivan at [email protected] .

LEARN:  Read about HB64, an anti-trans bathroom bill relative to residential educational facilities.

The Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes at Noon Central Time on Tuesday, January 14. Please, use the following campaigns for the week of January 12. More may be added in the coming days. Campaigns will be updated weekly as key bills move.

MONDAY, JANUARY 13

6:30 p.m. Central Time:  Community Legislative Update and Zoom Phone Bank. The Tennessee Pride Chamber and TEP will provide a quick legislative update most Monday evenings of the legislative sessions. We will also use this time to phone bank on  Zoom if there are key bills moving.  RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14

10:30 a.m. Central Time:  First Watch of the Balcony Brigade. Gather with us inside the Capitol as the legislative session kicks off. Wear your Balcony Brigade shirt if you have one. We will have Balcony Brigade stickers and signs for you to hold. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

ANY TIME

CALL: Leave a phone message for the Governor using the number and suggested script at this link.

 

If you would like to volunteer with us, contact us at [email protected] . Our busiest time of year is the state legislative session. We need district captains for legislator meetings, people to help monitor local government agendas, and volunteers for special events. When you email us, let us know in what city you live.

If your organization would like to learn more and sign the statement, go to the form at this link. For questions, email us at [email protected] .

 

Organizations, Congregations, and Small Businesses Signing

PFLAG Chattanooga

East Nashville Doulas

Hamblen County Federation of Democratic Women

Nashville in Harmony

Replenish Therapy LLC

The Makeup Lounge

Doggie Doos Inc

Seed Theatre

Katz Media

PFLAG Nashville

Spangler Strategies

Love Doesn't Hurt

Nashville Musicians For Change

Tn Mom PAC

Richlynn Group

InDo Nashville

Riverwood House OUTINGS

Three J's Hospitality

Moms for Social Justice

Prosperity Mental Wellness Center

Pickert Learning Solutions

Wink

Aunt Flo Initiative

Tangled Cords Sound Services

Podkit Productions

Grace Episcopal Church, Chattanooga

PFLAG Hendersonville

Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church

Anne-Marie Zanzal Coaching, LLC

Southern Progressives

Tonda McKay Photography

Friends For All

Graceful Aging Legal Services PLLC

Covenant of the Cross

The Lipstick Lounge

The Write Choice, LLC

Nashville Grief

Bare Body & Skincare

Appalachian Equality Chorus

Nashville Pride

Connect Media Group

Danielle Tipping PSYD PLLC

Bryant's Bridge

Brookmeade United Church of Christ (UCC)

Foothills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

EXIT Real Estate Experts

Wilson County Democratic Women

Mountain Mobile Massage LLC

Southminster Presbyterian Church

Nashville Jews for Social Justice

Tennessee Fair Housing Council

Scenic City Neurotherapy

Americans United for Separation of Church and State

Inclusive Health

First Congregational Church of Memphis

Blakemore United Methodist Church

Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund

Talk and Thrive Education, LLC

Garden Buddy

Knox Pride

Indivisible Tennessee

Focus LGBT+ Magazine

Wilco Iris

Empowered Heart Integrative Mental Health Care, PLLC

East Nashville Queer Parents

Southern Christian Coalition

Gaia Center for Embodied Healing

Studio Strange

Tennessee Playwrights Studio

Nashville Shakespeare Festival

soulskiwoman llc

The Loyal Opposition

Encircle Acupuncture

Psychotherapy & Forensic Services

Appalachian OUTreach

Indian Lake Animal Clinic

Whitewood Counseling & Consultation

Rodney Mitchell Salon

Welty Law Office

Hiestand Psychological Services

East Nashtivists

Richlynn Group

Beth Sholom Synagogue

Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church

Chinkapin Craftstead

Cryptid Cafe

Baker Bros BBQ

Cookeville Theatre Company

AWAKE TN

Tioga Environmental Consultants, Inc.

Hands and Heart Reiki

Redfern Glamping Experience

Margot Cafe and Bar

GracePointe Church

Silent No Longer TN

Nashville Queer History

Tennessee Hispanic Action Network

Selena Haynes, REALTOR®

Voce Speech Therapy, PLLC

Glendale United Methodist Church, Nashville

Hemp Building Institute

Halupka Studio LLC

Planned Parenthood of TN and North Mississippi

OUTMemphis

Everbloom Design

Cookeville Inclusive

Nashville Launch Pad

Diskin Cider

PFLAG Franklin

Open Door Counseling

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Murfreesboro

The Silver Fern, LLC

Arden Lynde Counseling

Rouffe Co

Aligned Counseling LLC

Renew Exterior Lighting

Forward TN

Tennessee Equality Project

 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. Inclusion of a story or opinion piece does not imply a TEP endorsement of it.  NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Coverage of US v Skrmetti. https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/nation/2024/12/04/trans-youth-supreme-court-case/76764741007/ 
2. Target shareholder lawsuit over Pride merchandise backlash can proceed. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/12/05/target-pride-2023-lawsuit/76799419007/?tbref=hp 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Tennessee legislators offer their views of US v Skrmetti.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/tennessee-legislators-talk-gender-affirming-care-scotus-hears-case/76734457007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Coverage of US v Skrmetti.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2024/12/04/us-supreme-court-transgender-health-case-tennessee-ban/76592694007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Profile of Dr. Susan Lacy, who offers gender-affirming care. https://dailymemphian.com/section/metrostate-government/article/48439/memphis-doctor-susan-lacy-transgender-supreme-court 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Knox County Schools pulling books from library shelves.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/education/2024/12/05/knox-county-schools-pulls-48-books-in-accordance-with-tennessee-law/76770330007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Tennessee Democrats push IVF, contraception guarantees. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/dec/07/tennessee-democrats-push-in-vitro-fertilization/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Tennessee legislators comment on US v Skrmetti.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/tennessee-legislators-talk-gender-affirming-care-scotus-hears-case/76734457007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Tennessee legislators comment on US v Skrmetti.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/tennessee-legislators-talk-gender-affirming-care-scotus-hears-case/76734457007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. A letter might explore and question the lack of coverage of US v Skrmetti in the paper or simply use the recent oral arguments in the case to write a letter supporting the trans community.

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Tennessee legislators comment on US v Skrmetti. https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/tennessee-legislators-talk-gender-affirming-care-scotus-hears-case/76734457007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. A letter might explore and question the lack of coverage of US v Skrmett in the paper or simply use the recent oral arguments in the case to write a letter supporting the trans community.

The 12th Tennessee Equality Project Gumbo Contest will be held on Sunday, February 16th, 2025 from 4:30 to 7 PM at the Memphis Sports and Events Center. TEP's annual celebration brings together teams from near and far to compete for the best gumbo in Memphis. Gumbo contestants will be awarded prizes by an appointed panel of judges and by individual tasters like you in the People’s Choice competition. You can purchase individual tickets at this link.

TEP's annual gumbo competition draws large crowds who support the LGBTQ community of the Mid-South and draws many public and elected officials. 

You can support this year’s event and the work of TEP to advance and protect equality in Tennessee as a host or in-kind sponsor. Here are the steps:

1. Review the sponsor information below and select the right level for you on the webpage. If you prefer to write a check for your sponsorship, please email [email protected] to coordinate.  
2. If you choose a Habanero or Serrano sponsorship, you will be assigned a VIP Table in the event space with a dedicated open bar.
3. Sponsors will receive tickets to the event, provided in coordination with the Gumbo Planning Committee (e.g., by mail, delivered in-person, will-call, etc.).
4. We ask that sponsors that do not need or wish to use all their tickets to let the gumbo planning committee know, so they may offer those tickets to attendees who otherwise could not attend the event: Contact us at [email protected]
5. VIP Table recipients are encouraged to decorate their tables! Mardi Gras and Pride themes are welcome to celebrate the season and diversity of our community. Additionally, you may incorporate donatable items into your decorations like toiletries, clothing, or non-perishable food that will be provided to local pantries that support our community.
6. Sponsors must submit event program ads and organizational logos for the sponsor reel (300+ dpi image) to the Gumbo Planning Committee at [email protected] by January 26, 2025 to guarantee ad placement. Ad specifications are listed below; please contact us with additional questions.

HOST SPONSORSHIPS

How spicy do you like your gumbo? Gumbo contest sponsors may contribute as hosts for this event at the Habanero, Serrano, or Sweet Bell level as individuals, organizations or businesses:

🔥HABANERO SPONSOR🔥

Flaming sponsors giving $1,500 will receive:

• VIP Table (6 seats) with 6 gumbo tasting tickets for the People’s Choice competition which includes live music and dedicated open bar. 
• Promotional advertisement of your business on the event web page. 
• Promotion of your business or organization on the TEP Gumbo contest website and in the event program (full page ad - 5.5 x 8.5”), event announcements, event advertising, and individual slides on the sponsor reel display.*
• Will be thanked from the main stage during event announcements

SERRANO SPONSOR

Medium sponsors giving $750 will receive:

• VIP Table (6 seats) with 6 gumbo tasting tickets for the People’s Choice competition which includes live music and dedicated open bar.
• Promotional advertisement of your business on the event web page. 
• Promotion of your business or organization on the TEP Gumbo contest website and in the event program (full page ad - 5.5 x 8.5”), and on the sponsor reel display.*

SWEET BELL SPONSOR

Mild sponsors giving $250 will receive:

• 2 gumbo tasting tickets for the People’s Choice competition which includes live music and dedicated open bar.
• Promotion of your business, organization, or an honor in the event program (half page ad - 5.5 x 4.25” or 2.75 x 8.5”) and on a shared slide on the sponsor reel display.*

*Sponsors must submit event program ads and organizational logos for the sponsor reel (300+ dpi image) to [email protected] by January 26, 2025 to guarantee ad placement.

Click the "Continue" button on the left to contribute your desired sponsorship level based on the above table. 

IN-KIND SPONSORS

In-kind gifts for the event may be donated. In-kind sponsors will receive event admission tickets and promotion of your business in the event program. In-kind gifts of $750 or greater will receive a VIP Table with 6 seats. In-kind gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

To donate, volunteer, or for more information, contact the Gumbo Planning Committee at [email protected]

Laissez le bon temps rouler!

Why should your business or organization sponsor the TEP Gumbo Contest?

Tennessee Equality Project Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides educational projects and programs which advance the well-being of LGBTQ people and their families here at home in Tennessee. Unlike many other organizations that advance equality, every dollar contributed to TEP Foundation is spent here in Tennessee.

A diverse group of over 500 LGBTQ people and their allies attend the TEP Gumbo Contest each year. Attendees receive a program with sponsor ads and information, and will see the event sponsor reel on the projection screen during the event. Our PRESENTING sponsor and HABANERO sponsors will be thanked from the main stage during event announcements.  

Your sponsorship will be advertised through the TEP Gumbo Contest Event web page, social media, and email list (20,000+ contacts). Tennessee Equality Project social media reach extends deeply in the Mid-South and the State of Tennessee:

• Facebook Page: 18,000+ followers
• Facebook Group: 8000+ members
• Instagram @TNEquality: 11,000+ followers

Donate

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. Inclusion of a story or opinion piece does not imply a TEP endorsement of it.  NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Profile of the ACLU’s Chase Strangio.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/25/transgender-laywer-trans-care-bans-supreme-court/76476026007/ 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Reallocation of HIV funds in Tennessee will do harm:  https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/11/25/hiv-crisis-tennessee-bill-lee-cdc-funding/76046736007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Opinion:  J. Lawrence Turner notes that Memphis voters voted for gun control measures.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/25/transgender-laywer-trans-care-bans-supreme-court/76476026007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Opinion. Pediatric doctor calls for more gun safety.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/opinion/article/48223/memphis-opinion-pediatric-doctor-gun-safety-laws-tennessee 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Opinion. Bill Lyons notes that while Trump won, the advice and consent of the Senate is not optional.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/columnists/2024/11/26/trump-won-but-advice-and-consent-is-not-optional-opinion/76567397007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. The Supreme Court will arguments on Tennessee’s ban on youth gender-affirming care.  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/29/the-supreme-court-will-hear-arguments-over-tennessees-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-minors/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Profile of the ACLU’s Chase Strangio.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/25/transgender-laywer-trans-care-bans-supreme-court/76476026007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Free speech advocates oppose book bans in Rutherford County Schools.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/2024/11/27/rutherford-schools-pull-160-more-books-to-review-if-obscene/76487089007/ .

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. Washington County opens calming room for children who have experienced trauma.  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/news/washington-co-opens-calming-room-for-children-who-have-experienced-trauma/article_66243d78-ae75-11ef-82ce-57037b1093da.html 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. The school voucher push in Tennessee.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/education/2024/11/29/tennessee-school-voucher-expansion-proposed-issues/76359800007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. Opinion. Wandering in the wilderness after the election.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/opinion/wandering-in-the-wilderness-for-four-years-not-appealing/article_e9254eb8-2855-5dc4-b7c3-9ee52122e559.html 

The page will show bills of particular interest to Tennessee's LGBTQ community. All bills filed in the Tennessee General Assembly affect our community, but only some focus on sexual orientation and gender identity issues.  These include the "Slate of Hate" bills, but can also include constructive bills or bills we think could be amended for adverse purposes.

HJR5 by Rep. Behn.  "Constitutional Amendments - Proposes an amendment to prohibit this state or an instrumentality of this state from abridging or denying a person's rights on account of sex." Commentary: A positive move. It will be important to watch for amendments.

HB64 by Rep. Bulso. "As introduced, requires all residential educational programs in this state, regardless of type or duration, that allow minors to participate or to access residential facilities to segregate all restrooms, changing areas, and showers by immutable biological sex."

SB226 by Sen.Taylor. As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Professionals' Freedom of Religion Act."

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. Inclusion of a story or opinion piece does not imply a TEP endorsement of it.  NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Story on the outing of Khalid. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/11/22/khalid-comes-out-as-gay/76511870007/?tbref=hp 
2. RFK, Jr. on LGBTQ issues.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2024/11/20/rfk-jr-lgbtq-people-trump-hhs/76426549007/ 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Profile of some of the plaintiffs in the ACLU cases against Tennessee’s youth gender-affirming care ban. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/21/trans-rights-tennessee-scotus-us-v-jonathan-skrmetti/76267953007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Profile of some of the plaintiffs in the ACLU case against Tennessee’s youth gender-affirming care ban.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2024/11/22/meet-the-tn-family-behind-the-us-supreme-courts-trans-health-care-case/76475790007/ 
2. Will legislators codify IVF protections?  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/22/tennessee-politics-could-lawmakers-protect-birth-control-ivf/76435639007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. County joins big cities in promoting public health, fighting disinformation.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/businesshealth-care/article/48078/shelby-county-health-department-michelle-taylor-joins-big-cities-vaccine-fluoride-science 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Profile of some of the plaintiffs in the ACLU case against Tennessee’s youth gender-affirming care ban.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/21/trans-rights-tennessee-scotus-us-v-jonathan-skrmetti/76267953007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. The purge of books in Tennessee school libraries.  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/23/list-of-nearly-400-purged-library-books-is/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Profile of some of the plaintiffs in the ACLU case against Tennessee’s youth gender-affirming care ban.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/21/trans-rights-tennessee-scotus-us-v-jonathan-skrmetti/76267953007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Profile of book freedom advocate Keri Lambert.  https://www.dnj.com/videos/news/2024/11/22/book-freedom-advocate-keri-lambert-wants-rutherford-county-tennessee-schools-to-stop-banning-books/76513619007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. Washington County fires elections administrator.  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/news/local-news/washington-county-officials-fire-election-administrator/article_47de7644-a934-11ef-8f14-c7b4be80b111.html 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Profile of some of the plaintiffs in the ACLU case on Tennessee’s youth gender-affirming care ban.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/21/trans-rights-tennessee-scotus-us-v-jonathan-skrmetti/76267953007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. Opinion piece on deportation. https://www.herald-citizen.com/opinion/to-deport-or-not-to-deport/article_422a911f-e802-5854-b418-a8609fb03e80.html 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Anti-transgender athlete lawsuit is a witch hunt. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/nancy-armour/2024/11/15/san-jose-state-volleyball-lawsuit-transphobia/76338239007/?tbref=hp 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Southern Baptist Convention’s policy arm calls on president-elect to limit LGBTQ and abortion rights.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/14/sbc-public-policy-leader-asks-trump-to-limit-lgbtq-rights-abortion/76263340007/ 
2. Opinion. The consequences of mass deportation. https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/columnists/david-plazas/2024/11/15/trump-immigration-deportations-innocent-casualties/76309864007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Southern Baptist Convention’s policy arm asks president-elect to limit LGBTQ and abortion rights.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/14/sbc-public-policy-leader-asks-trump-to-limit-lgbtq-rights-abortion/76263340007/ 
2. Governor Lee supports abolishing the U.S. Department of Education. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/14/tennessee-governor-supports-abolishing-federal-education-department/76267975007/  

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Rhodes offering panel on Latin American migration. https://dailymemphian.com/section/metro/article/47888/rhodes-college-immigration-discussion-panel-latin-america 
2. Senator Hagerty defends Matt Gaetz Attorney General nomination.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/metroelections/article/47952/shelby-county-election-commission-bill-haggerty-matt-gaetz 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Congressman Burchett supports Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as HHS Secretary. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/15/rep-tim-burchett-absolutely-trusts-rfk-jr-as-trump-hhs-nominee/76340412007/ 
2. Opinion. Why returning the name “Kuwohi” to the Great Smoky Mountains matters.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/2024/11/13/why-returning-name-kuwohi-great-smoky-mountains-matters-opinion-seth-kannarr-derek-aldema/76228154007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Chattanooga Latino community considers whether president-elect’s talk of mass deportation is rhetoric or reality. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/16/in-chattanooga-latino-community-wonders-if-trump/ 
2. Opinion.  Abolishing U.S. Department of Education is folly.  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/15/opinion-sessoms-soapbox-abolishing-the-department/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Opinion. The consequences of mass deportation. https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/opinion/columnists/david-plazas/2024/11/15/trump-immigration-deportations-innocent-casualties/76309864007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Southern Baptist Convention’s policy arm calls on president-elect to limit LGBTQ and abortion rights.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/14/sbc-public-policy-leader-asks-trump-to-limit-lgbtq-rights-abortion/76263340007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. Opinion. The tragic reality of school safety.  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/opinion/the-tragic-reality-of-school-safety-today-in-tennessee/article_8242c2b4-a36b-11ef-9829-d33e4900e10c.html 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Southern Baptist Convention’s policy arm asks president-elect for further restrictions on LGBTQ rights and abortion rights.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/14/sbc-public-policy-leader-asks-trump-to-limit-lgbtq-rights-abortion/76263340007/ 
2. Madison County children at risk from food insecurity.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/opinion/2024/11/15/food-insecurity-in-madison-county-our-children-are-at-risk/76265805007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. Opinion. On not letting your light go out after the election.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/opinion/i-will-not-let-my-light-go-out/article_7fb857fa-364b-5896-8ee3-0104bad7036f.html 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the principles of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Post-Election Day unity? Don’t hold your breath. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/08/trump-biden-harris-unity-transition/76108418007/ 
2. Sen. Bernie Sanders’s post-election critique.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/10/bernie-sanders-kamala-harris-2024-democrats/76179933007/ 
3. Two lost opportunities for a woman president.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnists/2024/11/10/will-we-ever-have-a-woman-president-i-fear-not/76137610007/?tbref=hp 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Tennessee students receive racist text messages.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/education/2024/11/07/racist-plantation-text-messages-sent-to-fisk-mnps-students/76114625007/ 
2. Fire at Knoxville College.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2024/11/07/hbcu-building-burns-down-tennessee-knoxville-college-fire-cause/76108620007/ 
3. Opinion. The opinion section includes two pieces on the Latino vote.  https://www.tennessean.com/opinion/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Missouri’s abortion vote offers hope.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/health/2024/11/10/missouri-abortion-amendment-3-tennessee-impact/76128465007/ 
2. Memphians vote for gun measures.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2024/11/08/shelby-county-sheriff-chop-shop-bust/76091368007/ 
3. Racist text messages target Black students.   https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/07/racist-plantation-text-message/76112532007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Looking at the election results.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/metrobehind-the-headlines/article/47772/memphis-tennessee-2024-elections-united-state-collierville 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Opinion. The Latino vote.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/columnists/david-plazas/2024/11/07/trump-latino-voters-election-victory/76116604007/ 
2. UT students receive racist text messages.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2024/11/08/university-of-tennessee-students-targeted-by-nationwide-racist-text-campaign/76116075007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Opinion. Manifesto for despairing Democrats.  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/10/opinion-my-manifesto-for-despairing-democrats/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Student receive racist text messages.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/education/2024/11/07/racist-plantation-text-messages-sent-to-fisk-mnps-students/76114625007/ 
2. A look at the 4b movement.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/07/whats-the-4b-movement-american-women-reaction-trump-win/76108602007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Opinion. The Latino vote.  https://www.dnj.com/story/opinion/columnists/david-plazas/2024/11/07/trump-latino-voters-election-victory/76116604007/ 
2. Students receive racist text messages.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/education/2024/11/07/racist-plantation-text-messages-sent-to-fisk-mnps-students/76114625007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. ETSU expert looks at election results.  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/news/politics/the-end-of-an-era-etsu-expert-analyzes-2024-election/article_87bcfcb2-9d69-11ef-94da-c31d81876c11.html 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. A look at the 4b movement.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/07/whats-the-4b-movement-american-women-reaction-trump-win/76108602007/ 
2. Jackson City Council approves “anti-camping” ordinance.   https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2024/11/07/jackson-city-council-met-for-regularly-scheduled-meeting-on-tuesday/76049060007/ 
3. Supporters, opponents react to new Tennessee voucher proposal.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/education/2024/11/06/tennessee-school-vouchers-school-choice-proposal/76090193007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. Misinformation in the recent election.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/news/local/the-us-election-was-largely-trouble-free-but-a-flood-of-misinformation-raises-future-concerns/article_810bab3b-9bee-565d-a98c-1b24665bfc87.html 
2. Opinion. Make America nice again.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/opinion/columns/make-america-nice-again/article_70a19da2-b67c-5633-9dd8-cea74b61644c.html 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Jason Kelce smashes “fan” phone after homophobic comment about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/eagles/2024/11/02/jason-kelce-penn-state-fans-cell-phone-travis-kelce-espn-college-gameday/76013174007/?tbref=hp .
2. Breonna Taylor’s mother on Brett Hankinson’s guilty verdict.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/11/02/breonna-taylors-family-reacts-to-brett-hankison-guilty-verdict/76009933007/ 
3. Opinion. Abortion rights on the line.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/10/31/women-vote-protect-abortion-trump-harris/75901303007/ .

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Opinion. Meaningful reform would improve TN voter turnout. https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/31/tennessee-voter-turnout-lowest-ranked/75945868007/ 
2. A new bill but maybe no special legislative session on vouchers.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/01/tennessee-politics-special-session-on-school-choice-not-likely/75917064007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Opinion. Stop domestic violence by ending assaults, protecting survivors. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/31/domestic-violence-shelby-county-district-attorney/75968392007/ 
2. Opinion. Voter suppression alive and well in TN.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/15/tennessee-voter-suppression-defend-democracy/75685831007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Early voting turnout behind.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/metroelections/article/47576/memphis-elections-political-roundup-early-voting-hits-high-point-on 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Opinion.  Could factory workers lost to flooding have been saved? https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/readers/2024/10/24/could-impact-plastics-workers-lost-tennessee-helene-flooding-have-been-saved/75785264007/ 
2. Opinion.  Tennessee low voter turnout. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/2024/10/21/opinion-tennessee-has-the-lowest-voter-turnout-candidates-dont-help/75686749007/ 
3. Opinion. Voter suppression alive and well in TN.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/2024/10/15/tennessee-voter-suppression-defend-democracy/75685851007/  

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Christian nationalism and state power.  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/02/christian-nationalism-and-state-power-utc/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Opinion.  Meaningful reform would improve TN voter turnout. https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/31/tennessee-voter-turnout-lowest-ranked/75945868007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. 2000 gather to mourn Serenity Birdsong, a trans student at MTSU who took her life.  https://www.dnj.com/videos/news/2024/10/31/2000-gather-for-memorial-prayer-vigil-to-honor-middle-tennessee-state-university-student/75967578007/ 
2. New voucher bill, but special session unlikely so far. https://www.dnj.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/01/tennessee-politics-special-session-on-school-choice-not-likely/75917064007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. New voucher bill, but so far a special legislative session unlikely. https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/01/tennessee-politics-special-session-on-school-choice-not-likely/75917064007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. A Tennessee Tech student died by suicide on Saturday morning.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/news/suicide-reported-on-tech-campus-saturday/article_f38d811e-5599-5e89-a376-e02e8a8001e8.html 
2. Opinion piece on the recent Christmas parade controversy.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/opinion/christmas-parade-values/article_7c5a1052-c005-5e9d-8c6c-e2f0edbf057c.html 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Column on anti-trans hate in this election.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/10/22/trump-republicans-anti-trans-campaign-ads-election/75778060007/ 
2. Opinion. Jelly Roll proves country music should embrace outsiders.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/10/26/jelly-roll-country-music-success-beyonce-black-artists/75823006007/ 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. 425 books removed from Wilson County Schools.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/10/24/book-bans-tennessee-wilson-county-schools/75820332007/ 
2. A new voucher bill is coming to Tennessee.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/25/tennessee-politics-republican-leaders-work-on-new-voucher-push/75808142007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. 425 books removed from Wilson County Schools.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/10/24/book-bans-tennessee-wilson-county-schools/75820332007/ 
2. A new voucher bill is coming to Tennessee.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/25/tennessee-politics-republican-leaders-work-on-new-voucher-push/75808142007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Activists who lost sons to gun violence urge referendum support.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/metropublic-safety/article/47371/activists-gun-violence-victims-urge-support-for-referendums 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. 425 books removed from Wilson County Schools.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/10/24/book-bans-tennessee-wilson-county-schools/75820332007/ 
2. New voucher bill coming to Tennessee.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/25/tennessee-politics-republican-leaders-work-on-new-voucher-push/75808142007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. OB/GYN residencies at UT are down. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/oct/26/applications-for-ob-gyn-residencies-at-ut-have/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. 425 books removed from Wilson County Schools.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/10/24/book-bans-tennessee-wilson-county-schools/75820332007/ 
2. A new voucher bill coming to TN.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/25/tennessee-politics-republican-leaders-work-on-new-voucher-push/75808142007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. 425 books removed from Wilson County Schools.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/10/24/book-bans-tennessee-wilson-county-schools/75820332007/ 
2. A new voucher bill coming to TN.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/25/tennessee-politics-republican-leaders-work-on-new-voucher-push/75808142007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. Racial harassment of ETSU student leads to investigation.  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/news/local-news/alleged-harassment-of-etsu-student-sparks-investigation/article_cf8f7474-9310-11ef-a57e-df4d45d45ff4.html  

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. 425 books removed from Wilson County Schools.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/10/24/book-bans-tennessee-wilson-county-schools/75820332007/ 
2. A new voucher bill coming to TN.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/25/tennessee-politics-republican-leaders-work-on-new-voucher-push/75808142007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. After controversy about some churches taking over the annual Christmas parade, the City of Cookeville has decided to step in and organize the 2024 parade.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/news/local/cookeville-council-votes-to-save-christmas-parade/article_c8b0958f-fd12-5150-b588-da3c473b39a4.html 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Opinion. Laura Loomer’s homophobic attack on Pete Buttigieg.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/10/17/laura-loomer-homophobic-pete-buttigieg-breastfeeding-adoption/75718060007/ 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Opinion. Honor the gifts of people with autism.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/19/autism-awareness-friends-life-community/74803140007/ 
2. Judges add medical exceptions to TN abortion ban. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/health/2024/10/17/judges-block-tennessee-disciplining-doctors-certain-abortions/73502057007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Law enforcement to host hate crimes forum. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2024/10/18/why-the-city-says-it-needs-phone-records-in-nichols-case-on-the-docket/75628409007/ 
2. Memphis voter guide.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/09/16/shelby-county-voter-guide-november-2024-election/74997655007/ 
3. Problems report with early voting in Shelby County.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/tn-elections/2024/10/18/early-voting-problems-memphis-tennessee/75730736007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Shelby County Mayor promotes HIV testing.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/businesshealth-care/article/47181/shelby-county-mayor-lee-harris-promotes-hiv-testing 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Judges add exceptions to TN abortion ban. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/health/2024/10/17/judges-block-tennessee-disciplining-doctors-certain-abortions/73502057007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Did Marion County Government deny a man’s civil rights by removing him from meeting? https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/oct/19/marion-commission-chair-sheriff-deputy-deny/ 
2. Opinion. Christian nationalists coming for Hamilton County officials. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/oct/19/opinion-christian-nationalists-are-coming-for-the/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Judges add exceptions to TN abortion ban. https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/health/2024/10/17/judges-block-tennessee-disciplining-doctors-certain-abortions/73502057007/ 
2. Opinion. Honor the gifts of people with autism. https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/19/autism-awareness-friends-life-community/74803140007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Judges add exceptions to TN abortion ban. https://www.dnj.com/story/news/health/2024/10/17/judges-block-tennessee-disciplining-doctors-certain-abortions/73502057007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. Opinion piece urging readers to trust their local newspaper, not social media.https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/opinion/trust-your-local-newspaper-not-social-media/article_345f998a-87e3-11ef-8221-8f913c3c11ad.html   

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Judges add exceptions to TN abortion ban. https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/health/2024/10/17/judges-block-tennessee-disciplining-doctors-certain-abortions/73502057007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. There is not a story in the paper, but you could write a letter to the editor about the Chamber of Commerce turning over the Christmas parade to an anti-LGBTQ Church that requires a statement of faith to participate. You can find information from The Tennessee Holler at this post on X/Twitter:  https://x.com/TheTNHoller/status/1847274264845562309 .

The Tennessee Equality Project surveyed candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, State Senate, and State House of Representatives. You will be able to find the answers of candidates who have responded so far below. They are provided to you for your education. Our inclusion of their answers does not imply endorsement of their answers or their campaigns.

In some cases we could not find campaign email addresses or our email may have been caught in a spam filter.  Candidates are extremely busy and may not have had time to fill out all the surveys they received. Others may not have opposition in the general election.  If we missed your campaign or your campaign would still like more time to submit survey answers, contact us at [email protected] and we can accommodate you. Our goal is to get the public as much information as possible.

Candidates for U.S. Senate

Candidates for U.S. House of Representatives

Candidates for State Senate

Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives, Districts 1-23

Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives, Districts 24-41

Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives, Districts  42-55

Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives, District 56-99

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/10/14/columbus-day-2024-holiday-nation/75619078007/ 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2024/10/14/when-is-columbus-day-indigenous-peoples-day/75556375007/ 
2. Opinion.  Tennessee law forced me to end my pregnancy out of state.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/14/tennessee-women-reproductive-rights-abortion-ivf/75497579007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2024/10/14/when-is-columbus-day-indigenous-peoples-day/75556375007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. The 3 gun measures on the upcoming Memphis ballot.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/metroelections/article/47034/deciphering-the-memphis-gun-referendums 
2. Will new law protecting healthcare workers make a difference?  https://dailymemphian.com/section/metro/article/47036/dr-benjamin-mauck-act-memphis-tennessee-health-care 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Voter Guide for the Knoxville area.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/10/14/voter-guide-2024-election-knoxville-knox-county-candidates-early-voting/75590304007/ 
2. Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2024/10/14/when-is-columbus-day-indigenous-peoples-day/75556375007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Governor says Tennessee has money for hurricane recovery AND vouchers.  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/oct/12/governor-says-tennessee-has-money-for-both/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/2024/10/14/when-is-columbus-day-indigenous-peoples-day/75556375007/ 
2. Opinion.  Tennessee legislators are wrong to think abortion is a settled issue.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/12/abortion-rights-tennessee-lawmakers-planned-parenthood/75496993007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. BoroPride was Saturday, October 12. A good option for a letter would be to write a piece in support of Pride.
2. Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/2024/10/14/when-is-columbus-day-indigenous-peoples-day/75556375007/ 
3. Opinion. TN law forced me to end my pregnancy out of state.  https://www.dnj.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/14/tennessee-women-reproductive-rights-abortion-ivf/75497579007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. Tri-Pride was Saturday, October 12. A good option for a letter is to write a piece in support of Pride.  

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/2024/10/14/when-is-columbus-day-indigenous-peoples-day/75556375007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. Opinion. A late celebration of banned books week.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/opinion/celebrating-banned-books-a-little-bit-late/article_f2ee74d2-d301-5130-9f12-686e58dafa42.html 

 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Opinion. Hate against Haitian immigrants ignores their history. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2024/10/02/trump-vance-lie-haitian-immigrants-fight-for-haiti/75408449007/ 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Tennessee Republican ad with Democratic candidate’s child sparks backlash.  The ad involves a drag show. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/04/tennessee-politics-gop-ad-with-democrats-child-sparks-outrage/75496180007/ 
2. Opinion: The imperative for Black Tennesseans to vote.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/03/register-vote-nov-5-election-black-memphis-electorate/75497278007/ 
3. Imagine Nashville releases plan.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/davidson/2024/10/04/imagine-nashville-10-year-plan/75511681007/ 
4. Lawsuit challenges Tennessee’s social media law.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/03/lawsuit-meta-tennessee-social-media-age-verification-law/75483636007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Opinion: The imperative for Black voters to participate in Memphis elections. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/03/register-vote-nov-5-election-black-memphis-electorate/75458846007/ 
2. Tennessee Republican ad with Democratic candidate’s child sparks backlash. The ad involves a drag show. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/04/tennessee-politics-gop-ad-with-democrats-child-sparks-outrage/75496180007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. New law, public safety, and bail.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/metropublic-safety/article/46897/crime-commission-discussion 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. A good option is to write a letter with your reflections on the recent Knox Pride Fest.
2. Opinion. Voters should reject at-large voting.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/readers/2024/10/03/opinion-voters-should-reject-establishing-at-large-electoral-system/75418188007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. A good option is to write a letter with your reflections on the recent Chattanooga Pride.
2. Opinion:  Helene’s devastation is a reminder of why government is so important. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/oct/03/opinion-helenes-devastation-in-western-nc-reminds/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Tennessee Republican ad with Democratic candidate’s child sparks backlash. The ad involves a drag show. https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/04/tennessee-politics-gop-ad-with-democrats-child-sparks-outrage/75496180007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Tennessee Republican ad with Democratic candidate’s child sparks backlash.  The ad involves a drag show. https://www.dnj.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/04/tennessee-politics-gop-ad-with-democrats-child-sparks-outrage/75496180007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. A letter writer could explore whether  the paper is conducting enough investigative reporting on the actions of Impact Plastics in endangering employees.

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Tennessee Republican ad with Democratic candidate’s child sparks backlash. The ad involves a drag show. https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/04/tennessee-politics-gop-ad-with-democrats-child-sparks-outrage/75496180007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. Opinion. Newspapers under attack by Tennessee General Assembly.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/opinion/newspapers-under-attack-by-tennessee-legislature/article_722c89c5-a9ef-5915-a330-7249145b5a3d.html 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Book sanctuaries popping up in response to book bans.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2024/09/27/book-bans-book-sanctuary/75400509007/?tbref=hp 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Tennessean editorial on book bans in Rutherford County Schools.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/columnists/david-plazas/2024/09/27/rutherford-county-school-board-banned-books-week-education/75398636007/ 
2. Anti-trans, anti-health op-ed about the new parents rights law in Tennessee.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/09/27/tennessee-law-parents-rights-children-health-decisions/75091505007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. A professor’s take on academic freedom.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/opinion/2024/09/17/academic-freedom-vital-to-protect-courses-in-benefits-of-sociology/74061835007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Federal Court allows Tennessee’s drag restriction law to stand.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/metrostate-government/article/46669/tennessee-drag-ban-lgbtq-community-friends-of-georges 
2. Opinion. The Legislature is scared Memphis might do something about gun violence.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/opiniondan-conaway/article/46486/dan-conaway-memphis-city-council-gun-control-referendum 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. A professor’s take on academic freedom.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/2024/09/17/academic-freedom-vital-to-protect-courses-in-benefits-of-sociology/74061835007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Rising tensions in the Hamilton County Commission. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/sep/28/eversole-addresses-rising-tension-at-hamilton/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. APSU parts ways with professor over far Right connections.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/local/clarksville/2024/09/23/apsu-professor-employment-ends-over-alleged-racially-disparaging-posts/74999463007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Free speech scholar says Rutherford County School Board’s book bans violate law. https://www.dnj.com/story/news/2024/09/27/free-speech-scholar-nadine-strossen-says-rutherford-county-school-board-book-banning-violates-law/75391879007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. Most recent stories are about flooding.  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/news/local-news/ . Letters could praise the response of the local governments that are doing a good job of responding and highlighting the need for state and federal investment in disaster preparation. 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Gov Lee suspends support for North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/2024/09/23/tennessee-gov-bill-lee-pulls-endorsement-for-mark-robinson-in-nc/75354352007/ 
2. Hispanic Heritage Month in Jackson.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2024/09/23/city-hall-honors-jacksons-hispanic-and-latino-community-with-art-dance/75264525007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

The Putnam County Health Council is working on a community health improvement plan of which one of the key components is mental health. https://www.herald-citizen.com/news/local/council-continues-work-on-community-health-improvement-plan/article_3b7ccf82-0a51-5f10-ad01-ddfbb9019d6d.html