Written by Don Byrd
Arguing the state should stay out of private affairs, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam vetoed a bill yesterday aimed at Vanderbilt University’s controversial non-discrimination policy. The school has drawn intense criticism for a policy that requires on-campus organizations to allow any student membership regardless of religious views. Opponents claim the policy improperly forbids religious organizations from choosing members and leaders based on faith, and that opposition has grown so loud, the Tennessee legislature stepped in at the end of their session and passed a bill aimed at ending Vanderbilt’s policy.
Earlier this week, Governor Haslam vetoed the measure.
Haslam said he disagrees with Vanderbilt’s policy personally but believes state lawmakers had overstepped by getting involved.
“It is counter-intuitive to make campus organizations open their membership and leadership positions to anyone and everyone, even when potential members philosophically disagree with the core values and beliefs of the organization,” Haslam said in a prepared statement.
“Although I disagree with Vanderbilt’s policy, as someone who strongly believes in limited government, I think it is inappropriate for government to mandate the policies of a private institution.”
