Basketball Star Allan Houston Discusses Importance of Education at State Capitol

Houston emphasizes the need for school choice to provide opportunities

NASHVILLE, TENN. (Mar. 12, 2015) – Today, Assistant General Manager of the New York Knicks and former University of Tennessee basketball star Allan Houston visited the State Capitol to discuss the importance of education issues for children in the state.
Houston met with numerous lawmakers and guests for a pre-session breakfast in the morning. Pictures from the breakfast can be found here. After being formally recognized on the House floor by Rep. Ryan Haynes of Knoxville, (video of which can be found here), Houston then met with freshman legislators to discuss how the influences throughout his life, on and off the court, have shaped his character and mission in life.
“One thing that we all agree on is that our kids deserve the best education they can get,” said Allan Houston. “Our work with the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation is dedicated to making sure that we have a positive impact on the lives of the kids in our communities. We want to make sure that we all have one message, as teachers, coaches or parents, to give our kids the best opportunities available, and too many bright young minds don’t get that opportunity.”
“As lawmakers consider the Gardenhire-Dunn bill in the coming weeks after receiving 15 out of 17 votes in previous committees, it is important for Tennesseans realize the impact that school choice will have on giving children the best education possible,” said Tony Niknejad of the Tennessee Federation for Children. “As Allan Houston can attest, far too many bright young children are robbed of the chance to achieve their educational dreams and strengthen their community due to being trapped in a failing school system. 60 percent of Tennesseans would exercise the chance to use a scholarship to attend a better school if given the opportunity. It’s time to finally give students and families trapped in failing schools options with their education.”