Tennessee Democrat calls GOP state House member a 'white supremacist' for telling him he's violating the dress code; dress code was established by black woman

Tennessee state Rep. Justin Pearson got into a verbal sparring match with the House GOP on Twitter, calling one member a "white supremacist" after being told he was violating the dress code by wearing a traditional West African shirt in the chamber.

"We literally just got on the State House floor and already a white supremacist has attacked my wearing of my Dashiki," Pearson said on social media, adding that his "resistance" and "subversion" are meant to make some people uncomfortable.

The Twitter account for the House GOP fired back, telling Pearson that "unanimously approved rules for House decorum and dress attire is far from a racist attack."

The response also said that Pearson should "explore a different career" if he doesn't like the rules.

Pearson wore a dashiki to the Tennessee chamber and was indirectly called out by a house Republican who referenced late Speaker Pro Tempore Lois DeBerry, who enforced a jacket and tie rule for male members.

“We honor Lois’ memory in how we look, how we treat each other, and how we give the respect we hope to get back, and part of that respect is how you look and how you appear," said Rep. David Hawk, according to WKRN.

Pearson commented on his clothing, saying "wearing my African attire, particularly in Black History Month is paying homage to the people who allowed me to be here.”

While there is no specific dress code on the books, according to the official rules, “the speaker will have the authority to set other guidelines for decorum."

As such, Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton released a statement, saying he would follow in DeBerry's footsteps:

“During her historic tenure in the General Assembly, the late Lois DeBerry established a precedent for attire that remains in place today; men must wear a coat and a tie if they wish to be recognized in committee or on the House floor. Ms. DeBerry would frequently address members violating this precedent and remind them of the requirement. The speaker will continue to follow the precedent and the path established by Ms. DeBerry to honor her and her incredible legacy within our legislative body," the statement read.

Pearson called the reference to DeBerry "wrong and immoral and a misuse of her legacy," while referencing his race and stating he was being attacked, using dressing in "drag" as an example of how Republicans want to control "people's agency."

DeBerry was the second African-American woman to serve in the Tennessee General Assembly and the first woman to serve as speaker pro tempore.

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