GOV. LEE’S WILDLY HYPOCRITICAL “RACE, JUSTICE, EQUALITY” EMAIL TO STATE EMPLOYEES

A state employee has forwarded us an email that apparently just went out to all state employees from Governor lee that touches on “race, justice, and equality”.

We’ve included it below in its entirety.

In it, Lee claims he’s “engaging with minority leaders”, yet he has blockaded a public plaza and turned his troopers the protestors who have been sleeping outside the capitol for 10 days straight. Dozens of peaceful protestors have been arrested, and JUST TODAY his sent his troopers after them for no reason yet again.

Tennessee state troopers gathering again to tear down Ida B. Wells Plaza community space. No incidences have occurred to provoke this action ordered by @GovBillLee. The space has been cleaned and safety team has made sure area has been safe. #FreeCapitolHillTN #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/PPGzOu7cCR

— Justin Jones (@brotherjones_) June 22, 2020

He also claims to care about “serving” the minority community… yet he won’t support removing the KKK GRAND WIZARD BUST from the capitol, and just chickened out of ending KKK GRAND WIZARD DAY, which he promised to do.

Not only that, but his party just KILLED AN AMENDMENT that would’ve given ALL state employees the same raise he himself is scheduled to get in this next budget – instead choosing to send hundreds of millions of dollars to the “RAINY DAY FUND” which already has over $1 BILLION in it.

WATCH: TN REPUBLICANS KILL AMENDMENTS THAT WOULD HELP REGULAR FOLKS?

-Pay raises for state employees❌
-Public School funding ❌ ❌
-Health Coverage for poor mothers ❌
-Community Safety Grants ❌@JasonAHodgesTN @VoteGloriaJ @RepLamar @RepMikeStewart @JRClemmons @tnhousegop pic.twitter.com/a2dCOoobsr

— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) June 18, 2020

These are the facts.

Below is the email in its entirety, and below that is a note from the state employee who sent it, which we ask you to read as well.

Here’s the key section from Lee’s email:

“Our goal is not only to create a safe work environment but also an environment where employees thrive. Events over the last few weeks have spurred many conversations in our country around race, justice and equality. I am using this time to further engage with minority leaders and faith leaders to evaluate just how we are serving every Tennessean and how we can improve.

I have asked Commissioner Williams and the Tennessee Department of Human Resources to build a framework for strengthening efforts around the minority experience in our workplace. This is an opportunity to ensure working with the State of Tennessee is an edifying and equitable experience for every single employee who has chosen the calling of public service.

Despite the uncertainty of the times, I know that our state’s workforce is highly equipped for this season. Maria and I are thankful to serve with you and I hope to be able to resume department visits, soon.”

And here are the thoughts of the state employee:

“These are the thoughts I cannot let go of today since reading that email. Who are these minority leaders he’s expecting to engage with, if not the folks that have been waiting peacefully outside the Capitol for weeks?

How can working at the State ever be an “edifying and equitable experience” if being a Tennessean isn’t one?

As a State employee one of my objective duties set by the Governor’s office is to improve safety. We learn about and apply new, proven safety tactics as soon as we hear about them so we can save more lives.

Why isn’t the Governor also guided by this principle when people are outside his office chanting “I can’t breathe”?

I don’t want HR to make an “effort around the minority experience”. I want systemic changes that can start with decisions from the Governor that will save lives.“

Well said. To let Lee know how you feel, Holler at him HERE.

P.S.

Lee is handpicking who he meets with. He has been running and hiding from black voters…

?MUST-WATCH: “I KNOW YOU HEAR ME… you don’t get to come to MEMPHIS and not talk to black voters.”

During a visit to Memphis black churches on Juneteenth, @GovBillLee gets a big ol’ MEMPHIS EARFUL?from one very informed voter who has questions… and time. ??? pic.twitter.com/2DgNPP1GPF

— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) June 20, 2020

…and ignoring black legislators pleading for inclusion.

WATCH: “How Many people of Color Had Input That LANDED In This Budget?”@TNRepParkinson & @TNblackcaucus want “INCLUSION” in TN’s budget, telling the 99% white @TNGOP it “hurts” to be consistently ignored.

Matt Hill gets triggered.@JeremyFaison4TN calls it racist to even ask. pic.twitter.com/EVg8Wgb4jK

— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) June 18, 2020