Student Issue, 1996—Addition of Sexual Orientation to the EEO/Affirmative Action Statement

Lambda Gay and Lesbian Student Union sought to have UT adopt an expanded employment protection policy that included prohibition of discrimination because of sexual orientation. Citing the adoption of such policies at Vanderbilt, Duke, UCLA, MIT, and Harvard, Lambda circulated petitions and addressed their concerns to the administration. The Student Government Association and the Graduate Student Association passed bills recommending the change by a 56-13 vote. Vice Chancellor Philip Scheurer advised Chancellor Snyder that UT’s EEO policy follows federal law in establishing the protected classes, and Chancellor Snyder declined to make a change.