NASHVILLE (AP) — A bill that would strip the University of Tennessee's controversial Office of Diversity and Inclusion of some — but not all — of its state funding has passed a House subcommittee. An amendment tacked on to the bill on Tuesday would also ban state funds from being used to promote the university's Sex Week, the use of gender-neutral pronouns on campus and the promotion or demotion of any religion.
Some lawmakers have been threatening to strip the diversity office of all state funding following controversial posts on its website. One posting recommended the use of gender-neutral pronouns on campus. Another advised against religious-themed parties and decorations during the holidays.
Micah Van Huss, a Republican from Jonesborough, reconstituted the bill to strip the office of $100,000.