No employee of the Knox County Schools shall be discharged, terminated, or otherwise discriminated against with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, privileges of employment solely for refusing to participate in, or refusing to remain silent about, illegal activities. Illegal activities means activities that are in violation of criminal or civil code, either state or federal, or any regulation intended to protect the public health, safety, or welfare. 

Any employee terminated or discriminated against in violation of T.C.A. 50-1-304 shall have a cause of action against the employer and any other damages to which the employee may be entitled.

Legal References:  

1. T.C.A. § 50-1-304. 
2. T.C.A. § 49-50-1401.