NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A proposal to eliminate affirmative action initiatives from higher education institutions in Tennessee has failed this session.
The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Jim Summerville of Dickson was defeated in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday. Four members of the Republican-majority committee voted for the measure, two voted against it and four abstained.
As written, the legislation would have prohibited colleges and universities from granting preference based on race, gender or ethnicity.
Opponents of the measure were concerned with the language of the proposal. Higher education officials in particular said the term "preference" was vaguely defined and could cost them funding if they violated certain laws trying to adhere to the legislation.
The companion bill was delayed in the House Education Subcommittee earlier this week.