NASHVILE, Tenn. (AP) — A proposal that seeks to prevent public higher education institutions in Tennessee from discriminating against religious groups is advancing in the House.
The measure sponsored by Republican Rep. Mark Pody of Lebanon was approved 7-2 in the House Education Subcommittee on Tuesday.
The proposal is similar to legislation that was vetoed by Republican Gov. Bill Haslam last year.
That measure tried to force Vanderbilt University — a private institution — to exempt student religious groups from its nondiscrimination policy.
The proposal that passed the subcommittee on Tuesday makes no reference to private institutions.
Opponents of the measure say it's unnecessary because they're not aware of problems at public colleges and universities that it needs to address.
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