Lawmakers seek to cut multicultural spending

Tennessee lawmakers are trying to cut funding for multicultural and diversity programs at some Tennessee universities.

State representative Martin Daniel has filed a bill that will limit the University of Tennessee system’s spending on diversity, multicultural or sustainability programs.

If passed, these programs at all UT schools could not collectively spend more than $2.5 million. This includes salaries and benefits for staff members in these departments as well as any other cost associated with these departments.

The bill targets the University of Tennessee in Knoxville by limiting them to $1.5 million, or 60 percent of all allocated funds.

This could affect the quantity and quality of employees, as UT Knoxville alone spends at least $250,000 on multicultural organization salaries.

The bill also limits what these employees are allowed to do at their job.

This bill comes after a controversial list of suggestions for holiday parties created by UT’s multicultural affairs staff.

The list stated that holiday parties should not be “a Christmas party in disguise,†or place an emphasis on “religion or culture,†as reported by the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Some Republicans called this political correctness spinning out of control. Frank Niceley, a Republican state senator from Knoxville, also sponsors the bill.

Both Daniel and Nicely were unavailable for comment on the bill.

The Daily Helmsman reached out to University of Memphis students involved in multicultural organizations, allowing them to weigh in on the conversation.

Jaylon Wallace, junior public relations chair for Empowered Men of Color, fumed over the implications of the bill.

“Why?†Wallace asked. “What’s the purpose for cutting it, giving a limit on what they can do? It cuts involvement on campus. It makes the job harder for certain organizations. You’re limiting everything they can do on campus.â€

Lawrence Parawan, a senior political science major and president of the Asian American Association, agreed with Wallace.

“It appears that the general assembly is seeking to push a specific agenda,†Parawan said. “The UT system seeks to establish itself as an institution of political correctness and diversity; however, this bill seems to contradict this sentiment.â€

Limitations the bill would place on UT employees who work for diversity, multicultural or sustainability programs concern Parawan, as it states that these workers will be required to focus solely on non-discrimination, recruitment of minority students and recruitment of minority faculty.

“It completely disregards any discussion of sustainability programs,†said Parawan.

Not all students are opposed to the bill. Sheroz Kazmi is a biomedical engineering major and president of the Muslim Student Association. Unlike Wallace and Parawan, Kazmi sees no problem with the bill.

“I’m not a finance major, but I think this is fine,†he said. “I think this is enough money. Instead of spending a bunch of money corporate style, cultivate the student leadership and have them get together. I don’t think for wanting to diversify you need that much.â€