Photo Credit: Speaker Cameron Sexton / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative Staff-
House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville-District 25) has introduced a bill that would impact how public institutions of higher education can approach “divisive concepts” with employees and students.
According to House Bill 2670 (HB2670) and companion bill SB2290, introduced by Senator Mike Bell (R-Riceville-District 9), students and employees of these institutions would not be subject to penalty or discrimination if they choose not to endorse any particular divisive concept. Additionally, no particular belief or ideology can be required as a condition for hiring, tenure, promotion, or graduation.
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Divisive concepts are defined as those that make any individual feel uncomfortable or discriminated against because of their race or sex.
The bill would also prohibit higher education institutions from using any training materials, programs, or state funding to promote divisive concepts.
It would also require that these institutions conduct a survey every two years to assess the “campus climate” regarding diversity and how free students and employees feel about speaking freely regarding their political affiliations and personal ideologies. Those survey results must be posted to the individual institution’s respective websites.
This bill would amend TCA Title 49, Chapter 7.
HB2670 has been introduced and SB2290 has also been introduced, and passed on first consideration.
