Bill To Limit Divisive Teachings in Universities Up For Senate Vote On Monday (Update 3/18/22)
***Update 3/18/22 – Reset on Senate Calendar for 3/21. Article has been updated to reflect this change.
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, is up for a vote on the Senate floor Monday, March 21st.
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.
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.
In addition, the bill will require public higher education schools to conduct surveys of the campus climate with both faculty and students every two years related to students’ comfort level in speaking freely on campus.
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“This legislation is an effort to ensure that our public universities incredible diversity efforts are not undermined by an initiative that seeks to drive Tennesseans further apart,” said Representative Ron Gant (R-Piperton-District 94) who is carrying House Bill 2670 for Speaker Cameron Sexton. “We reject the formation of concepts that attempt to cast a shadow on groups of people due to factors not in their control. The divisive concepts which we are seeking to address might seem familiar to you.”
If you support this bill, contact your Republican Senator before the vote by using the Find My Legislator tool HERE.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
Reading about the wish to curtail “divisive” content in Tennessee schools of higher learning makes me wonder what would have happened at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia if no “divisive” content were allowed. The real problem in schools of “higher learning” is there is not enough divisive content. The great majority of the staffs of these schools are progressives and eager to grab the next great “advance” in philosophy or science without proof. Contrary to their stated goals of DEI, their strongest push is for all staff and students to think the same thing and act the same way. It seems to me that more divisive content would go a long way toward getting rid of the “woke” counter culture in America.
You are so right! Especially when the bill also requires a survey every 2 years to assess the student’s “comfort level” with said divisive speech. Pulleeze!! The inmates are running the institution.