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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
In a show of ongoing objection, student groups at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) marched earlier this week in protest of “anti-DEI legislation” as the school works to align itself with state Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion laws.
The Tennessee Conservative previously reported on similar student protests when UTC announced in September that the multicultural office would be receiving a makeover to bring the university’s departments into agreement with legislation passed by the General Assembly earlier this year, the Dismantling DEI in Employment and Dismantling DEI Departments Acts.
To come into compliance, UTC stated all offices and departments were to undergo evaluation by an independent law firm and the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Prism Center which catered to LGBTQ students, and the Center for Women and Gender Equity were merged into one new Center for Student Leadership, Engagement, and Community.
Shortly after the initial announcement, disgruntled students participated in a two-hour march, saying they felt the university was going above and beyond in its compliance with the laws.
Now, as the school continues to eliminate or restructure departments, student groups held another protest demanding both pieces of legislation be repealed.
“We want to send a powerful message to the capital that we will make our voices heard, and we will not stand four our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion communities to be erased,” UTC Civic Engagement said in an Oct. 26 Instagram post.
Hosted by UTC groups Civic Engagement and Spectrum, the event drew approximately 50 students who marched from the UTC campus to the Chattanooga Courthouse. Civic Engagement has also announced plans to draft a bill repealing the anti-DEI laws.
The group touts itself as “non-partisan and dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive space where every student can learn, speak out, and communicate with representatives to ensure that democracy and human rights endure”, yet it holds regular protests for left-wing causes like gun control and “No Kings”.
Earlier this month, the organization expressed irritation that a Turning Point USA chapter was approved after the student government initially rejected the application at the behest of Civic Engagement and other student organizations. “It’s a gross violation of SGA’s autonomy. The administration just went over that decision and capitulated to fascists,” said one group member.
The University has not commented on this latest protest.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
