The controversial Office for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville has now lost its funding. Governor Bill Haslam on Friday allowed the bill to become law without his signature, according to Inside Higher Ed.
The office was known for controversial measures including gender-neutral pronouns and recommendations against having a Christmas party. While the office eventually took down what they claimed were suggestions, the efforts were enough to gain attention from lawmakers.
Amendments to House Bill 2248 note that:
(1) To support the office for diversity and inclusion at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville; or
(2) By the University of Tennessee to promote the use of gender neutral pronouns, to promote or inhibit the celebration of religious holidays, or to fund or support sex week.
The prohibition of state funds will be for the 2016-17 state budget. According to The Tennessean, UT Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy Cheek has spoken about a reorganization of diversity efforts, but that the law “in no way diminishes our commitment to diversity and inclusion” and “doesn’t impact most of the funding for those efforts.”
WJHL.com reporting included statements from a Knoxville representative “[Martin] Daniel said he feels like the Office for Diversity and Inclusion only highlights the difference between people and he feels like it is a waste of money. He said he wants to see tax payer money used more efficiently.”
Haslam did not like the idea of redirecting funds, but had less of a problem with the outcome as he noted:
The bill redirects over $436,000 from funding the office to engineering scholarships for minority students. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville still saw students protesting the bill last month with “die-in” protests.
Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Rickey Hall, who has led the office, has accepted a position at the University of Washington.
