TN Universities Defend Diversity Programs

Activist Ward Connerly looks on as the Senate Education Committee considers a proposal to outlaw showing preference on the basis of race or gender. Photo credit Blake Farmer/WPLN

College presidents in Tennessee are defending their programs meant to diversify their student bodies. They worry about an effort to outlaw any preferences on the basis of race or gender.

Universities are already barred by federal law from giving minorities a leg up in the admittance or hiring process. But there are efforts to attract certain under-represented groups.

Board of Regents Chancellor John Morgan says a summer program is meant to make sure black males stick with their college plans after high school graduation.

“I don’t know whether it is a preference or not. But I do know that is a group that struggles.”

The proposal comes from out of state. A former university Regent in California who is an African American has helped pass similarly worded constitutional amendments in a few western states.

Ward Connerly says he’s attempting to re-level the playing field after years of informal affirmative action.

“We have evolved this theory that as long as we’re discriminating for good things, that that’s alright.”

After two hours of discussion, the Senate Education Committee put the bill off for a week, but chairwoman Dolores Gresham vowed to pass the bill eventually, sharing her own experience in the military.

“I hated it when I was trotted out – one more time – as the duty, Hispanic, woman, lieutenant colonel.”

Gresham says the legislation will be considered again next week.