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Senate concurs with House resolution urging Tennessee universities to adopt institutional neutrality and civility principles
Summary
The Senate concurred in House Joint Resolution 175, urging Tennessee universities to adopt institutional neutrality, free expression and civil discourse policies; the measure passed by a 26-5 vote after floor comment about the concept of "neutrality."
The Tennessee Senate voted to concur in a House resolution urging universities to adopt principles of institutional neutrality, free expression and civil discourse on campus.
On concurrence, House Joint Resolution 175 passed the Senate by a recorded vote of 26-5. Sponsor Senator White described the resolution as an encouragement for Tennessee universities to adopt policies to promote civil discourse and neutrality that preserve free expression while protecting safe and respectful campuses.
Senator Charlane Oliver commented on the debate about the meaning of "neutrality" in higher education, noting that even a neutral posture is a position and that institutions must consider how policies affect international students, faculty and those who feel unseen. "Even a neutral position is a position," Oliver said on the floor, urging attention to campus inclusion while recognizing the importance of open inquiry.
The clerk recorded the vote: Ayes 26, Nays 5. The presiding officer declared Senate concurrence in the House resolution.
Votes at a glance: House Joint Resolution 175 (concurrence) — Vote: Aye 26, Nay 5; outcome: concurred by the Senate.
