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The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
Students at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) marched in protest across campus and on the streets of Chattanooga on Tuesday over the university’s decision to align with state diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) laws.
UTC Vice Chancellor Artanya Wesley said in September that the multicultural office will be getting a makeover and that the student body had been made aware of the impending changes.
UTC leadership met last month to discuss how to bring the university’s departments into compliance with legislation that the Tennessee General Assembly passed earlier this year.
All UTC offices and departments will undergo an evaluation by an independent law firm to confirm that they are in alignment with laws both at the state and federal level.
In addition to the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Prism Center which catered to LGBTQ students, and the Office of Student and Family Engagement will all be merged into one new Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community. The new center is set to open next week.
Students who participated in the two-hour march said they felt the university was going above and beyond in its compliance with the laws.
The university declined to respond to the protest.
At the end of September, UTC sent an email to students emphasizing the university’s commitment to following the law.
“At UTC, our goal is to make education attainable by ensuring every student has the opportunity to access resources designed to help them learn, grow, and thrive,” the email stated. “We are committed to excellence that ensures every student, regardless of background, feels they belong, they matter and they can succeed.”
The Dismantling DEI in Employment Act which was passed by state legislators prohibits government at the city, county, and state level, as well as LEAs and public institutions of higher education from making employment decisions based on race, ethnicity, sex, age, or any other demographic characteristic, rather than individual merit, qualifications, veteran status, or lawful eligibility criteria.
Another state law that went into effect earlier this year, the Dismantling DEI Departments Act, prohibits a department, agency, or other unit of state government or political subdivision of the state from maintaining or authorizing an office or department that promotes or requires discriminatory preferences to increase diversity, equity, or inclusion.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
