Bill: Swap UT diversity money for 'In God We Trust' stickers

Friday, March 18, 2016, Vol. 40, No. 12

NASHVILLE (AP) - A bill advancing in the state House would redirect money from the University of Tennessee's diversity office to pay for "In God We Trust" decals for law enforcement vehicles.

The bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Micah Van Huss of Jonesborough would ban state funds from being used to promote the university's annual Sex Week, the use of gender-neutral pronouns on campus or to inhibit the celebration of religious holidays.

Van Huss estimates that the move would free up about $100,000 that could be spent on the university designing, printing and shipping of the "In God We Trust" stickers. Law enforcement agencies around the state could order one decal per vehicle.

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam has spoken out against dismantling diversity funding at higher education instructions.