Republican lawmakers are looking to stop “Sex Week” from taking place this year at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville by introducing bills that would limit its funding.
The event, now in its second year, is due to start March 2 and will feature panel discussions on sexual health, sexuality and sexual violence, as well as host a drag show, dance classes and an art show.
In hopes of reducing funding for the event, a group of state senators have filed bills that would require for student fees to be proportionally distributed to student organizations based on the size of their membership and prohibit any university money from being used to pay for any guest speakers. State Sen. Stacey Campfield (R-Knoxville), with Reps. Jimmy Matlock (R-Lenoir City) and Susan Lynn (R-Mount Juliet), introduced the bills after Rep. Richard Floyd (R-Chattanooga) filed a resolution in the state House condemning the event.
The university pulled its funding for last year’s event after critics spoke out, but students from Sexual Empowerment and Awareness at Tennessee (SEAT), the student group organizing the event, were able to fill the gap with private funding.
The event was considered a success, and organizers say students are looking forward to this year’s event.
