Dive Summary:
- A new bill approved by the Virginia Senate in a 22-18 vote Monday would allow student groups on college campuses to restrict membership to students "committed to their missions."
- Critics say the bill undermines a 2010 Supreme Court decision and would allow discrimination by student groups supported with public money, while supporters of the bill say it preserves the constitutional right of free association on college campuses.
- State Sen. Mark Obenshain says the bill relates to the ability of religious student groups to limit their membership to students practicing those faiths, while fellow State Sen. Adam Ebbin says it removes colleges' oversight ability if a group denies membership to students for any reason, ranging from religion to sexual orientation.
From the article:
The pro-side won out Monday when the Virginia Senate voted 22-18 to approve legislation that would allow student groups to restrict membership to those committed to their missions. The measure, HB 1617, would also prohibit colleges and universities from discriminating against clubs that make club participation exclusive. ...