Rev. Rick Roberts, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Donelson and Rev. Matt Steinhauer, interim pastor of St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Franklin, on Monday knelt in front of lawmakers debating a bill to deny an education to some immigrant children. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
Debate over a bill to deny certain immigrant children the right to an education was disrupted Monday as two Lutheran pastors knelt in front of a House committee room and recited the Lord’s Prayer. Others in the audience soon joined from their seats.
The bill ( HB793/SB836 ) by Sen. Bo Watson of Hixson and House Majority Leader William Lamberth of Portland — both Republicans — would give public school districts the option of verifying student immigration status, charging tuition of students who cannot prove they are legal residents or barring enrollment entirely…