University of Tennessee students are using the hashtag, #MyDiversityMatters in response to actions taken by the Tennessee state legislature removing state funding for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
If you consider yourself a part of or support diversity at UTK! I got your back!!#MyDiversityMatters
— Jalen Reeves-Maybin (@Finally_Maybin) March 3, 2016
On Wednesday, the Tennessee Senate Education Committee unanimously voted to approve a measure providing that, “only federal funds shall be expended to support the Office for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.” The move came in the form of an amendment to the University of Tennessee system’s budget proposed by state Senator Delores Gresham. The amendment also reallocates $8 million from the Knoxville campus to the university’s agricultural extension services and rural outreach through the Chattanooga and Martin campuses.
University of Tennessee President Joe DiPietro argued in support of diversity programs to no avail prior to the vote. The university president even mentioned specific instances of racism that occurred on the campus. DiPietro noted, “In recent years, we have had incidents in which fraternity members have paraded to party locations in ‘black face,’ bananas thrown at a group of prospective black students, cotton balls strewn across the lawn of our black cultural center, racial and homophobic slurs written across campus walls and doors at residence halls.” Lawmakers apparently were unmoved.
The action was likely prompted by two posts published by the office. In September the office published a post encouraging students to use gender-neutral pronouns like “ze” and “xym” upon request. Also, in December, the office published another post providing tips to “ensure your holiday party is not a Christmas party in disguise.” Following the holiday post, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey demanded the resignation of UT-Knoxville’s vice chancellor of diversity and inclusion and expressed frustration that taxpayers funded the position. Then, for the first time, Tennessee lawmakers first started suggesting that UT’s funding for diversity programs be removed. The amendment will need to be considered for the full Tennessee Senate and House before it can go into effect in April.
Students decided to make their voices heard on the issue.
What’s your story? Use the hashtag #MyDiversityMatters to respectfully share your experience at UT!
— n, chelsi (@chelsichelsss) March 3, 2016
#MyDiversityMatters because diversity isn’t about color, but it’s about lifestyle and culture that isn’t supported like the majority.
— Lauriel Cleveland (@_LCCleveland) March 3, 2016
#MyDiversityMatters because racial, gender, and socioeconomic diversity is a key to a well rounded university culture! 🔑#UTDiversityMatters
— Hannah Hodges (@hahodges5) March 3, 2016
Stripping funding allotted to diversity and inclusion will not help UT on their quest to become a top 25 university. #MyDiversityMatters
— JEFÉ. (@preDOMinant_) March 3, 2016
Lastly, it is important to note that the University of Tennessee-Knoxville’s diversity office does not receive any federal funding. Removing federal funds from the office essentially defunds the entire office. Hopefully these students will catch the attention of their state lawmakers.
