Dear [Your Elected Official],

<p>I ask you to vote NO on HB1474 and HB1666 on Wednesday in the State and Local Government Committee.</p> <p>HB1474: Local governments support a variety of cultural emblems and flags and support a variety of cultural and civic observances. A bill that singles out Pride symbols and celebrations for exclusion displays incredible animus and it would face formidle challenges in court. It sends the wrong message to people of every age, but particularly to youth who are searching for safety and belonging. This bill could have the unintended consequences of banning other uses of rainbow symbolism, as was pointed out in the Public Service Subcommittee.</p> <p>HB1666:  This bill displays blatant disrespect for transgender and nonbinary people in a school setting and builds on bills passed over the last two years. This bill will undermine teachers and principals trying to establish a respectful environment for everyone. It will contribute to workplace harassment and students being bullied. Tennessee's Violence and Bullying Prevention program, according to the Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, helps children with the following:<br /> Empathy building<br /> Resilience training<br /> Impulse control<br /> Decision making<br /> Anger management.</p> <p>This bill directly contradicts those efforts.</p> <p>Thank you for considering my views.</p>