NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In an effort to get Vanderbilt University officials to drop its controversial “all-comers” policy for student organizations, Tennessee lawmakers have introduced a bill that would strip the university’s police department of state recognition.
School officials introduced the nondiscrimination policy after a Christian fraternity dismissed one of their members for being gay. The policy requires all university-sponsored groups to accept applicants regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation, Campus Reform reports.
However, Rep. Mark Pody (R) and Sen. Mae Beavers (R), co-authors of the legislation, believe that the policy restricts religious freedom on campus. The bill would also affect all state universities that implement a similar nondiscrimination plan.
Despite being passed in both state houses, Gov. Bill Haslam (R) has vetoed the bill. At the time of his veto, Haslam stated, “Although I disagree with Vanderbilt’s policy, as someone who strongly believes in limited government, I think it is inappropriate for government to mandate the policies of a private institution.”
