Bill > SB2259

This bill mandates that public higher education institutions in Tennessee, including those under the Board of Regents, state university boards, and the University of Tennessee system's Board of Trustees, must establish and enforce policies that clearly separate decisions regarding academic tenure from disciplinary actions against faculty members. Academic tenure is recognized as a crucial protection for academic freedom and intellectual independence, but this bill emphasizes that it must be balanced with institutional accountability and professional conduct. The new policies will ensure that granting, denying, or revoking tenure is not used as a disciplinary measure, and that disciplinary actions do not affect tenure status without due process. Furthermore, disciplinary procedures for misconduct will be consistent for both tenured and non-tenured faculty, and the chief executive or academic officer will retain the authority to impose disciplinary actions, including suspension or termination for cause, while preserving the independence of tenure decisions from these disciplinary proceedings. The bill also requires institutions to adopt policies promoting institutional neutrality, free expression, and civil discourse on campus, with these policies to be publicly posted online.