NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Legislation to bar public universities and colleges from implementing nondiscrimination policies for student groups has been signed by the governor.
The Senate unanimously passed the measure 30-0 and the House approved it 75-21.
The legislation does not include private institutions like Vanderbilt University — a provision that caused Republican Gov. Bill Haslam to veto last year's version.
Sponsors say the measure is aimed at preventing colleges from creating policies requiring student groups to open membership to all students and allow all members to seek leadership posts.
Christian groups have protested a similar policy at Vanderbilt, saying it forces them to allow nonbelievers and gay students to join. Officials say about 15 student groups have refused to comply with the policy, while 480 have accepted it.