This fight affected all public colleges in TN which are listed below

Austin Peay State University
Chattanooga State Community College
Cleveland State Community College
Columbia State Community College
Dyersburg State Community College
East Tennessee State University
Jackson State Community College
Middle Tennessee State University
Motlow State Community College
Nashville State Community College
Northeast State Community College
Pellissippi State Community College
Roane State Community College
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Tennessee State University
Tennessee Technological University
University of Memphis
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
University of Tennessee at Martin
University of Tennessee Southern
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Volunteer State Community College
Walters State Community College

In November 2022, YAL chapter members at the University of Tennessee Knoxville began gathering signatures to lift the ban on pepper spray at UTK. They collected hundreds of signatures but faced leadership issues, causing the petition effort to stall.

Fast forward to 2024, Jonah Davis emerged as a dynamic force within the chapter. His rapid ascent from a new member to one of YAL’s most formidable activists reflects his deep commitment to liberty and student rights at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Confronted with the university’s restrictions on pepper spray and other non-lethal self-defense tools, Jonah sprang into action, embodying the spirit of Young Americans for Liberty. Jonah’s tenacity shone through as he organized his team to set up tables multiple times a week for months, advocating tirelessly for the right to self-defense.

When SRC collaborated with grassroots to author the “Laken Riley Act of 2024” and members of the Hazlitt group introduced the legislation in the House, Jonah’s efforts were pivotal. The bill passed, and with only the governor’s signature needed for statewide change, Jonah didn’t hesitate. With less than 12 hours’ notice, he drove to the capitol to personally deliver the petition to the governor. He then orchestrated nationwide scale phone banks into the governor’s office demanding the governor sign the bill. His determination and swift action were instrumental in the enactment of the Laken Riley Act of 2024 (HB 1909), which now prohibits public universities in Tennessee from banning non-lethal self-defense tools.

Jonah Davis’s unwavering dedication continues to inspire and lead the way for liberty and student rights in Tennessee. His journey from a passionate new member to a powerful advocate embodies YAL’s core values—championing individual rights and confronting oppressive policies head-on. We are incredibly proud to have Jonah as a leading figure in our ongoing fight for freedom.