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Vanderbilt University registered student organization non-discrimination policy

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Vanderbilt University requires registered student organizations[nb 1] to allow all students to enroll as members and to allow all members to seek leadership positions.[1] The adoption of this provision, commonly called a "non-discrimination policy," has sparked controversy among religious groups.[2] Though federal law provides a non-discrimination exemption for fraternities and sororities, religious organizations are not granted the same exemption.[3]

Background

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In 2010, the Supreme Court passed a ruling declaring that educational institutions can refuse to recognize religious student organizations that do not admit all members into the organization.[4] In November 2010, the Vanderbilt Hustler reported allegations that two members of Vanderbilt's Beta Upsilon Chi fraternity were asked to leave based on their homosexual orientation, an orientation prohibited by the Beta Upsilon Chi Code of Conduct.[5] Following this controversy, the university opted to uphold the non-discrimination policy in favor of the homosexual students which sparked a divide among the university's Catholic and Christian student groups. Ultimately, of the 30 Christian groups previously on campus, 17 opted to remain on campus and abide by the policy, while 13 moved off campus.[6]

Notes

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  1. ^ Single-sex organizations are allowed to condition membership on the basis of gender.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b Vanderbilt University (2012-03-02). "University Policies and Regulations". Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  2. ^ Merica, Dan (2012-04-20). "Vanderbilt's policy change: confronting discrimination or infringing on religious freedom?". CNN. Archived from the original on April 21, 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  3. ^ Kingkade, Tyler. "Vanderbilt University's Non-Discrimination Policy Causes Catholic Student Group To Leave Campus". HuffingtonPost.com. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
  4. ^ Farmer, Blake. "Vanderbilt Rule Rankles Faith-Based Student Groups". NPR.org. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
  5. ^ Furlow, Liz (2010-11-04). "Former Beta Upsilon Chi members allege unfair treatment based on sexual orientation". Vanderbilt Hustler. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  6. ^ Smietana, Bob. "Christian groups differ on compliance with Vanderbilt policy". USAToday.com. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
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