Prohibits discrimination against religious student groups at universities (SB 3597 and HB 3576)
BILL
Full Text: Senate Bill 3597 House Bill 3576 Amendments: SA1074 Sponsor(s): Beavers in the Senate; Pody in the HouseSUMMARY
As introduced, prohibits certain colleges and universities in this state from denying recognition, privileges or benefits to a student organization or group on the basis of religious content of the organization’s or group’s speech or the manner in which the organization or group determines its organizational affairs. – Amends TCA Title 49.
STATUS
Passed by Senate and House on 04/30/2012. Transmitted to Governor on 5/9/2012 and awaiting his action. More info.
FACT’S ANALYSIS
This bill prohibits publically funded state colleges and universities from prohibiting student organizations from requiring that officers adhere to principles of the organization.
MORE INFO
Background: The United State Supreme Court last year held that it was not a violation of the First Amendment for a public college to impose an “all comers” policy as a condition upon which a student organization would receive official university recognition.
Implications: If a university has a non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation or gender identity, then in order to be a recognized student organization, religious organizations whose tenets espouse sexual expression within the confines of marriage have to either change their beliefs or forgo university recognition.
Practical effect: Organizations can no longer require that members or officers adhere to the tenets by which the organization defines itself.
What the Bill does: SB 3597/House Bill 3576 would prohibit a publicly funded state higher education institution from discriminating against or denying recognition or equal access to a student organization on the basis of the religious content of the organization’s speech or membership and officer requirements.
Congressional Letter to Vanderbilt University
Click here to watch a short video on this bill.
