The Grundy County Board of Education has accused a board member of telling teachers who to vote for, in a potential violation of Tennessee’s Little Hatch Act.
In a statement, the board said the unnamed member went to Swiss Memorial School in Gruetli-Laager, Tennessee, for a teacher’s retirement party May 17 and began quizzing teachers on where they lived and telling them how they should vote.
The Little Hatch Act, so called because it mirrors the federal version, addresses the political activity of state employees and officials, according to the Tennessee State Employees Association’s website. This includes campaigning for or against a measure, party or individual candidate. It is unlawful for public officers or employees to use their position, authority or influence to interfere with an election or nomination for office. The act also bars state officials in a leadership role from intimidating or coercing public officials and employees to interfere with an election, nomination or measure.
(READ MORE: Grundy County school board member arrested for fourth time since she was elected)