Nashville Democrat Files Ethics Complaint Against Tennessee Education Commissioner
In a heated turn of events, a Nashville Democrat has lodged an ethics complaint against the Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner, Lizzette Reynolds. In his complaint, Rep. Caleb Hemmer (D-Nashville) alleges that Gov. Bill Lee permitted a “lobbyist” to steer the course of Tennessee education system.
Questions about Reynolds’s Credentials
Democrats had previously raised inquiries about Reynolds’s qualifications during the legislative session. It is notable that Reynolds does not possess a teaching license, which is a basic requirement for anyone to serve as a state education commissioner. This missing credential led to calls from Democrats for Gov. Lee to dismiss her.
Out of State Travels
Hemmer has asked for Reynolds’s out-of-state travel records to ascertain if a lobbying group covered her travel expenses to two different conferences. This adds another layer of questions to the already murky scenario surrounding Reynold’s position.
Education Requirements: A Point of Contention
In the face of this debate, it is important to note that Reynolds’s credentials published on the Tennessee Department of Education website and her LinkedIn account do not list any qualifications for teaching in schools nor do they list any degrees in education. As per Tennessee law, the commissioner of education is required to possess scientific and literary requirements, qualifications to teach in schools, and experience in school administration. To balance out her missing qualifications, Reynolds is currently enrolled at the University of Tennessee-Martin in an effort to obtain education credentials.
Higher Education Funds: Another Debate
Another public dispute has arisen over how Reynolds’s education would be funded. After the news broke that she had marked herself as a state employee for six months on official paperwork, the funds allocated to state school tuition became a topic of discussion. According to the law, a state employee can avail discounted tuition if they decide to attend a state school after six months of service.
The Next Steps
The complaint will be taken up by the Tennessee Ethics Commission who will then decide on the future course of action. This situation serves as a reminder of the integral role of ethics and legality in public service, raising questions about the transparency of steps taken for the staffing of such prominent roles.