One of the requirements to be a registered student organization at Vanderbilt is that student organizations’ constitutions be in compliance with the university’s nondiscrimination policy and that they sign a statement that they will comply with the policy. Some student religious organizations have raised concerns about how the policy might affect eligibility for leadership positions within their organizations. As a result of those concerns, we are exploring the issue.
We are still in discussions and no decisions have been made – any information to the contrary is just speculation at this point. We have 380 student organizations currently registered at Vanderbilt. Of the 36 religious student groups registered, 32 are in compliance. All other student groups are now in compliance with the policy. Note: These numbers may be updated again as the Office of the Dean of Students continues to work with the individual student groups).
Those student organizations not in compliance with the university’s nondiscrimination policy have been placed on provisional status, meaning they have the same full access to the Vanderbilt campus as they have had in the past while the university continues to listen to and discuss their concerns. We are committed to finding a solution to this issue.
Student groups that wish to practice their faith are welcome at Vanderbilt; however, it is incumbent upon them to decide whether they wish to become registered student organizations at the university.
View an earlier statement about this issue.
Update timeline:
Updated 2:10 p.m., Sept. 30, 2011. Two additional groups have come into compliance with the university’s non-discrimination policy, bringing the total of groups in compliance to 376.
Updated 11:17 a.m., Sept. 29, 2011. Two of the affected groups have come into compliance with the university’s nondiscrimination policy, bringing the total number of groups in compliance to 374. updates below.
Media Contact: Beth Fortune, (615) 322-NEWS