
House Passes Campus Free Speech Act, Puts Tennessee First in Nation To Protect Academic Freedom in State Law
On Monday, the House of Representatives passed the Campus Free Speech Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Eddie Smith (R-Knoxville). The Senate previously passed the companion bill, sponsored by Sen. Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) several weeks ago. The measure has been transmitted to the Governor for his signature. The bill is said to be the first of … Continued

Lawmakers Return to Nashville for 110th General Assembly
Lawmakers convened on Capitol Hill this week for the start of the 110th General Assembly, where the first orders of business were electing the House and Senate Speakers. House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) unanimously won reelection and long serving Senator Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) was sworn in as the state’s next Lieutenant Governor and Speaker … Continued

House Diversity Hearing Set for Next Wednesday
In January, some members of the Knox County legislative delegation sent a formal request to House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) to create a formal joint hearing to investigate and hear testimony related to diversity activities and programs throughout Tennessee public higher education. The hearing has been set for Wednesday, March 2 and will include both full House … Continued
Beloved UT President Emeritus Dr. Ed Boling Passes Away at Age 93
Dr. Edward J. Boling, president of the University of Tennessee system from 1970 to 1988, died on Thursday at the age of 93. Dr. Boling’s 18 consecutive years as UT president make up the longest recent term of service in the office. Before his appointment as president, Dr. … Continued
The Legislature Has Adjourned: How Did This Session Impact UT?
The Tennessee General Assembly has officially adjourned for the year after considering the final legislative calendars and passing the State’s $33 billion spending plan for FY15-16. A number of higher education issues impacting UT were addressed this session. We’ve been keeping our UT Advocacy Network up-to-date through our weekly legislative report, The Weekly Watch. If … Continued