Bill > HB0377

This bill amends Tennessee state law to prohibit discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin at four-year public and private higher education institutions in Tennessee. Specifically, the bill prevents institutions from excluding individuals from participating in programs or activities, denying benefits, or discriminating against students based on these characteristics. The legislation also bars colleges and universities from considering an applicant's race, color, ethnicity, or national origin during admissions processes, scholarship awards, or financial aid determinations. Institutions are forbidden from creating demographic quotas or using aggregated data to make admissions decisions, though they can still award scholarships with varying amounts as long as those differences are not solely based on race or ethnicity. By January 2026, institutions must notify their admissions and financial aid office employees about these new requirements. The bill provides a legal mechanism for individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination to seek injunctive and declaratory relief in court. Importantly, this bill appears to be targeting affirmative action practices in higher education by establishing a race-neutral approach to institutional policies and student selection.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0377&ga=114