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Panel sends resolution urging universities to protect ‘marketplace of ideas’ to full education committee
Summary
The Higher Education Subcommittee unanimously forwarded House Joint Resolution 175, a nonbinding resolution introduced by Leader Cochran that urges Tennessee universities to maintain policies supporting free exchange of views following unrest linked to international events.
The Higher Education Subcommittee forwarded House Joint Resolution 175 to the full Education Committee on a 5-0 vote, after Leader Cochran said the nonbinding measure urges Tennessee universities to preserve a robust marketplace of ideas.
Leader Cochran, who introduced HJR 175, said the resolution is a response to events on some campuses nationwide after the October 2023 attacks in Israel and is intended to encourage consistent policies at Tennessee institutions. "HJR 175 is really just, it's a resolution urging universities across the state of Tennessee to ensure that we are always a marketplace of ideas," Cochran said.
The resolution does not create new law; it expresses the Legislature's view and urges universities to adopt practices Cochran described as best practices used at institutions such as Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee. Committee members offered no questions or debate before voting. The clerk recorded 5 ayes and 0 nays.
HJR 175 now goes to the full House Education Committee for further consideration.
