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Committee advances nonbinding resolution urging Tennessee universities to reinforce free speech and institutional neutrality
Summary
House Joint Resolution 175, urging universities to adopt policies that protect institutional neutrality and civil discourse after nationwide campus disruptions, passed the education committee 13-4 despite objections that the measure is unnecessary in Tennessee.
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee House Education Committee advanced House Joint Resolution 175, a nonbinding measure urging public universities to adopt or reaffirm policies that promote institutional neutrality, protect free speech and prevent disruptive protests from shutting down campus activities.
Representative Cochran, the sponsor, said the resolution was written in response to disruptive campus protests elsewhere following the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel and urged Tennessee institutions to adopt policies that protect civil discourse and campus safety. "We should never have that issue in this state," the sponsor said, adding that the resolution is intended to encourage university bylaws that allow officials to address disruptive behavior.
Opponents said the resolution was unnecessary and risks fearmongering. Representative Ramesh McKenzie and Representative Annika Johnson said Tennessee universities already have policies and laws exist to deal with illegal disruption. "We already have bills on the books if people act out and do something illegal on a university campus," Johnson said. McKenzie said the resolution was "not aimed at any specific university" but questioned whether a statewide urging was needed given no comparable breakdowns had occurred at Tennessee institutions.
The committee voted 13-4 to advance the resolution to the Calendar and Rules Committee.
