Defend Diversity at UT-Knoxville: Veto SB1912

The Legislature passed SB1912/HB2248 that removes funding from the Office for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Sign this petition that we will deliver to Governor Haslam asking him to veto the bill.

Governor Haslam, we call on you to veto SB1912/HB2248 and protect the University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Office for Diversity and Inclusion. The office plays a vital role in making the university competitive for the best students, faculty, and staff and it makes campus life welcoming for all. Thank you for considering our views.

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Diane Fox signed 2016-04-22 10:39:57 -0500

When students protested this attack on diversity funding, other students hung Confederate battle flags out their windows. This, alone should express the need for a focus on and support of diversity funding in a world that becomes increasingly diverse. Do not take away this funding!
Marthe Cumming signed 2016-04-22 10:39:40 -0500
Rachel Cross signed via Kate Stamper 2016-04-22 10:39:04 -0500
Linda Anderson signed 2016-04-22 10:38:55 -0500
Kelvin Rutledge signed via Chris Purcell 2016-04-22 10:38:17 -0500

As a former TN resident and higher education professional, this is incredibly upsetting. Please reconsider.
Sam Morgan-Curtis signed 2016-04-22 10:36:44 -0500
Brent Maybank posted about this on Facebook 2016-04-22 10:36:38 -0500
Sign the petition: Defend Diversity at UT-Knoxville: Veto SB1912
Kai Tan signed via Jarrod Cruz 2016-04-22 10:36:26 -0500
Esther Cohn signed 2016-04-22 10:36:23 -0500
Brent Maybank signed 2016-04-22 10:36:14 -0500
Holley Tree signed 2016-04-22 10:34:30 -0500

Please veto this bill. It is an unfortunate waste of taxpayer time and money. If anything, we need more funding for education and diversity initiatives in higher education, not less.
Thomas Green signed via John Clark 2016-04-22 10:33:26 -0500
Heather Hall signed 2016-04-22 10:30:50 -0500
@missoularedhead tweeted link to this page. 2016-04-22 10:29:46 -0500
Sign the petition: Defend Diversity at UT-Knoxville: Veto SB1912 http://tnep.nationbuilder.com/defend_diversity_at_ut_knoxville_veto_sb1912_hlc1cj1qcsx5eev2wkvpda?recruiter_id=28185
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Melissa Ryckman signed 2016-04-22 10:29:15 -0500
Meredith Forrester signed via Matthew Haber 2016-04-22 10:24:02 -0500
Olivia Johnson signed via A. Nicole Alarcon 2016-04-22 10:23:28 -0500
Gloriamarie Amalfitano signed 2016-04-22 10:23:08 -0500
Lisa Tate-Keith signed 2016-04-22 10:21:57 -0500
Brittany Stringer signed via Young Rob 2016-04-22 10:20:32 -0500
Lauren Boydstun posted about this on Facebook 2016-04-22 10:19:43 -0500
Sign the petition: Defend Diversity at UT-Knoxville: Veto SB1912
@GoProtege tweeted link to this page. 2016-04-22 10:19:37 -0500
Sign the petition: Defend Diversity at UT-Knoxville: Veto SB1912 http://tnep.nationbuilder.com/defend_diversity_at_ut_knoxville_veto_sb1912_hlc1cj1qcsx5eev2wkvpda?recruiter_id=42973
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Lauren Boydstun signed 2016-04-22 10:19:27 -0500
Queen Stevenson signed 2016-04-22 10:16:35 -0500
Stephen Signore signed via Keith Britt 2016-04-22 10:15:38 -0500
Bob Loos posted about this on Facebook 2016-04-22 10:15:11 -0500
Sign the petition: Defend Diversity at UT-Knoxville: Veto SB1912
Liz Norred signed via Keith Britt 2016-04-22 10:15:11 -0500
Bob Loos signed 2016-04-22 10:14:47 -0500
Christy Cowan signed 2016-04-22 10:14:19 -0500
Natalie Watson signed 2016-04-22 10:12:21 -0500

Why pull funding from a Diversity and Inclusion Office for being diverse and inclusive? They have tried to make holiday celebrations inclusive and non-offensive to those of differing faiths and they have tried to make a more comfortable and accepting environment for transgender students by using appropriate language and pronouns. This is ridiculous that they are being de-funded! Also, WHY ARE WE SPENDING ALMOST HALF A MILLION DOLLARS ON STICKERS/DECALS IN THE FIRST PLACE?!?!?!?!?! Is printing “In God We Trust” really a task suited for an office such as this? Why so much money for this? Are there not other minority groups and scholarships that this money could go to?