Bill To Limit Divisive Teachings In Universities Passes Senate
Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
The Senate companion bill to House Speaker Cameron Sexton’s bill, that would impact how public institutions of higher education can approach “divisive concepts” with employees and students, passed on the Senate floor Monday evening 25 to 5 with one Republican Senator joining his Democratic colleagues in voting no.
The senate companion bill SB2290 to House Bill 2670 (HB2670) sponsored by Senator Mike Bell (R-Riceville-District 9), prevents students and employees of institutions of higher education from being 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. The bills would allow a student or employee to sue a university or other institution of higher education if they are penalized for their opinions. Surveys would also be required to be conducted regarding the campus climate related to students’ comfort level in speaking freely.
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Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville-District 7) took issue with the bill during discussion. Briggs questioned how valuable it would be to require universities to take surveys of all students, especially those beyond the age of a typical college student. He also said that he had not received a single complaint from any student attending University of Tennessee Knoxville. “[Students] need to grow up and say what they want to say,” said Briggs.
Republican Senators Massey, Kelsey, Niceley, Crowe, Roberts and Yager all spoke in support of the bill affirming that it protects the academic freedom of faculty while enhancing and protecting all speech on campus.
While Democratic Senators Gilmore and Yarbro felt strongly that the bill will have a “chilling effect” on professors and universities and stifle free speech, Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield-District 25) stated that the bill protects students from “idealogues” and that it will ensure “open and honest dialogue.”
The next step for the legislation is to head to Governor Lee’s desk for his signature before becoming law. According to the bill text, the Act will go into effect immediately upon becoming law.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
