‘Who’s house? Our house': Students rally against laws at Tennessee state capitol

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Students rallied on Saturday at the state’s capitol for what they are calling “a better Tennessee.”

Joining the students were members of the community and elected leaders.

Many attendees expressed concerns about the direction that the country is heading.

“We’re rallying against a legislative agenda that’s gonna hurt Tennesseans and people across the country,” organizer Emmie Wolf-Dubin said.

Among the topics that multiple speakers addressed was gun violence.

“I’m tired of going in college classrooms and having to hide, ”Jermaine Cole junior explained. “Whenever we do these practice mock drills or even the thought of their being a threat of gun violence, I’m tired of those things.”

Another focal point was immigration which an elementary student spoke about.

“My dad is afraid of being sent back to Mexico. families like mine have to live in fear,” the child said.

This demonstration comes weeks ahead of the Tennessee General Assembly reconvening.

During that time, attendees are hoping laws will be passed that prevent gun violence and offer protections for immigrants, public schools and women’s health.

“We’ve had people killed in all ranges in this state, yet we have not acted at all,” Cole said. “It’s a testament to the lawmakers that we continue to vote back in but I promise people change will come.”

The General Assembly formally starts on Jan. 14 and runs through the spring. During the summer is when the new laws passed will take effect.

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