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Scarritt Bennett Board Member Donna Mosby Advocates to Keep Public Education for All

Editor’s note: United Women in Faith member Dona Mosby, (pictured foreground left), serves on the board of Scarritt Bennett Center and was among those who advocated for the right of a public education for undocumented children and young people. She wrote the following appeared which on social media August 14th. We share it here as an reminder of the continuing legacy of the Scarritt Bennett community, recognizing how powerful our voices can be. For more information read Cross Bearers in the Current Climate: Let The Little Children Come by Rev. Kelli X, Scarritt Bennett Director of Racial Justice Ministries. For information around how to remain safe as we navigate increasing ICE raids, read Rev. Kelli X’s article: When They Came for the Immigrants.

A harmful bill that sought to deny undocumented children access to public education in Tennessee is officially dead for the 2025 legislative session, thanks to the efforts of United Women in Faith members and other justice advocates in Tennessee.

Media outlets in April reported that the bill, HB 793, would not be heard—a direct result of the incredible advocacy efforts of people across Tennessee.

Many faithful members of United Women in Faith in Tennessee stood firmly in the fight against this bill, joining with organizations such as Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition, Education for All Tennessee, EdTrust-Tennessee, and others, along with concerned parents, educators, faith leaders, business owners, and countless Tennesseans who spoke out with clarity and conviction. This win is a testament to what faithful, justice-rooted advocacy can accomplish.

However, we remain vigilant. Until the legislative session gavels out, we know that bills like this can resurface in the final hours. We’re not letting our guard down and plan to stay ready and committed to stand in the gap for justice.

As stated by Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition, HB0793 was not an isolated attack. It is part of a broader, troubling pattern of proposals that target vulnerable communities and undermine public education, while failing to address the real needs that would make Tennessee a more affordable, healthier, and more just place to live for all who call this state home.

Today, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we continue the work.