HB 1948 / SB 2350

Starting from the 2024-2025 academic year and in subsequent years, this legislation mandates that the boards of trustees of the University of Tennessee, the board of regents, and each state university board ensure the following:

1. Prohibit any institution under their governance from establishing or maintaining a diversity, equity, and inclusion office or any similar administrative unit. This includes refraining from hiring or assigning employees or contracting with third parties for diversity-related duties.
2. Ensure that institutions do not enforce negative consequences for refusing to provide a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement. No preferential treatment should be given based on the provision of such statements, and race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin should not influence the hiring or treatment of employees or participants in institutional functions.
3. Guarantee that participation in diversity, equity, and inclusion training is not a prerequisite for enrollment or any institutional role.
4. Adopt rules, policies, and procedures for disciplining employees or contractors who violate the provisions of this bill, potentially leading to termination.
5. Establish rules aligned with Title IX of the federal Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations. These rules should clearly outline the limitations or prohibitions on the duties and activities of a diversity, equity, and inclusion office that fall within the scope of required Title IX personnel.

Additionally, this bill empowers students or employees of public higher education institutions subject to inappropriate training to take legal action for injunctive or declaratory relief against the institution.