Stable Change Speech Theory in Tennessee

    The eight values of free expression are a concept less known by common Americans, but just as relevant and important to our daily lives as other principles of law. Once information about them is learned, it is easy to recognize how some of the concepts are applicable in situations today. 

    The Stable Change theory is one that stuck out to me. It emphasizes the importance of allowing people to vent or speak out when they’re angry, or when people have felt unheard by larger political bodies. It mentions that allowing these actions is productive to society by protecting it from people who may become so frustrated, that they may act more dangerously to convey a message because they haven’t been heard. The government is then more capable of monitoring all viewpoints, and how passionate people are about them. 

    As I learned about this theory, a prime example came to my mind that occurred this past spring. This instance took place in the Tennessee State House of Representatives during a session they were holding. The proceedings of the House were reflective of gun control issues, as there had recently been a mass shooting in the area a week prior. The room was filled with citizens protesting for stronger gun control legislation. 

    Three of the legislators in the house, including representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, took to the center of the floor while the house was in recess, with signs that supported the protestors and demonstrated that they agreed with the stance for stronger gun control. They participated in chanting and pumped their fist to solute the citizens as well. 

    There was an extremely controversial outcome to this demonstration by the three representatives. Two of the three ended up being expelled (temporarily, as the public voted them back into office in proceedings about a week afterward). The public was furious about the decision from the House, and it ultimately put them under a lot of scrutiny and generated national attention. Representatives Jones and Pearson had been ejected from the house because the Speaker of the house and some of the other legislators who agreed with him, said that they had broken a rule of decorum but interrupting the session.

    Representatives Jones and Pearson made very compelling arguments for their innocence but pointed out that their mics were being shut off, and they were being called out of order whenever they mentioned gun control solutions on the floor. Pearson’s speech and Jones’ speech are on YouTube and gained tons of public traction. 

    This political example from earlier this year is extremely relatable to the Stable Change theory. As Representatives Jones and Pearson demonstrated, the inability of the Tennesee House of Representatives to acknowledge not only their ideas, but the general concern of the public, was what warranted the protest in front of the house. In order to be heard, the representatives felt it was necessary to pull off this protest, although it was definitely an act of frustration. It is the job of the First Amendment to protect, allow, and respect these types of actions. Ultimately, this argument ended up being made when the decisions concerning Jones and Pearson’s readmission to the house were surfacing. They are currently still serving in the house, but they still mention their concerns about being unheard and ignored when the house is in session. Many eyes are on the Tennessee House of Representatives as a result of it. 

To watch the Tennessee House proceedings live at the Tennessee General Assembly Website.