The University of Tennessee is now prohibited from supporting an event known as "Sex Week," according to a state law. The law prohibits the university's flagship campus based in Knoxville from putting any state funds into the student-organized event while also defunding the university's office of diversity.
Lawmakers were angered by the university's recommendations to use gender-neutral pronouns for transgender students. The law also explicitly bars the school from using state funds to support the use of gender-neutral pronouns.
The diversity office, however, clarifies that their office was simply providing information when a student might request the use of gender-neutral pronouns. Despite the diversity office playing no role in the event, conservative lawmakers were also upset about the annual student-run event held at the school.
A bill pushed by state Republicans, Gov. Bill Haslam (R) signed the bill to become a law on Friday. Haslam allowed the bill to transform into a law by failing to sign or veto the legislation, according to Huffington Post.
The new law is only in effect for one year, according to ABC News. However, legislators are keeping a close eye on the school.
The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education argues that banning the university from supporting Sex Week, based on the nature of the event would be a violation of free speech rights. In April 2015, students on campus protested the recently signed bill.
Lawmakers of the state have repeatedly tried to impede "Sex Week" due to anger towards to university's recommendation to use gender-neutral pronounces for transgender students. In 2013, students withdrew more than $11,000 to use as funds for "Sex Week" which sparked the issue. By 2014, the state legislature pressured the University of Tennessee to require students to pay fees when supporting student-organized events.
Despite no protests or mass effort against the event on campus, lawmakers believe that the event is inappropriate for both students and adults. The event features workshops and forums that touch on the different types of sexuality and sexual orientation. "Sex Week" also teaches students about healthy relationships, body image, consent and other types of sexual education.
