Washington D.C. – Following the vote by Shelby County commissioners to reinstate Rep. Justin J. Pearson to his seat in the Tennessee House, after the recent reinstatement of Rep. Justin Jones and after both Reps. Pearson and Jones were expelled by House GOP leadership, People For the American Way President Svante Myrick released the following statement:

“The wrong committed by the Tennessee House leadership has now been fully righted on behalf of the people of Tennessee, with the reinstatement of Rep. Justin J. Pearson today just days after the reinstatement of Rep. Justin Jones. We are so proud of these two representatives who have shown Tennessee and the entire country what it means to stand up for your principles in the face of bigotry and intransigence.  The ‘Justins’ are heroes not just to an entire generation of young people who are passionate about fighting for change and against oppression, but for all of us who care about the future of our democracy.”

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About People For the American Way 

People For the American Way, a national progressive advocacy organization, inspires and mobilizes community and cultural leaders to advance Truth, Justice and the American Way. We convene courageous Americans, produce compelling media and organize campaigns to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that counts. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org