Tennessee lawmakers reject Amendment 3 addressing affirmative action impacts on admissions

A heated debate unfolded during the Tennessee State Legislature's House Floor Session on April 10, 2025, as lawmakers grappled with the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action in college admissions. The discussion centered around an amendment that sought to address the redundancy of existing legislation in light of the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, which declared affirmative action unconstitutional.

Representative Lehi argued against the amendment, stating that it was unnecessary since the Supreme Court had already settled the issue. "Affirmative action is not being used in admissions. It's already currently unconstitutional," he asserted, emphasizing that individuals who feel negatively impacted by admissions policies could pursue legal action. He criticized the continued push for legislation that he believes only serves to deepen societal divisions, urging lawmakers to focus on more constructive efforts for Tennesseans.

Despite Lehi's motion for consideration, the amendment failed to pass, garnering only 21 votes in favor against 70 opposed. Following this, Deputy Speaker Zachary introduced a new bill aimed at aligning university policies with the Supreme Court's ruling, which sparked further discussion among legislators.

Representative Love raised concerns regarding the potential chilling effect of the proposed legislation on scholarship offerings, referencing the Guyer consent decree, which aimed to enhance diversity in higher education. Love questioned whether the new bill might discourage institutions from providing scholarships for fear of legal repercussions.

As the session progressed, the implications of these discussions on Tennessee's educational landscape remained a focal point, with lawmakers weighing the balance between compliance with federal rulings and the pursuit of diversity in higher education. The outcome of these legislative efforts could significantly impact how colleges and universities in Tennessee approach admissions and scholarship policies moving forward.