Tennessee

Belmont University, which was caught in a firestorm last month over the departure of its lesbian soccer coach, may change its policy on openly gay groups on campus.

On Monday, the leader of a student group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights told WSMV-TV, an NBC affiliate in Nashville, that he expects the university to officially recognize the group soon.

Robbie Maris, president of the BridgeBuilders, said this will be the group's third time to apply as a student group after being turned down twice by the private Christian university. more >>

Vanderbilt University made changes to its nurse residency application a day after a complaint was filed over its abortion practice requirement.

According to the Alliance Defense Fund – the group that helped two unnamed students file the complaint – Vanderbilt changed it registration packet Wednesday to reflect a more inclusive women’s health track for those who do not wish to participate in abortion procedures.

The application now includes a statement that such procedures are a part the program, but it also informs applicants that accommodations can be made for those who do not want to assist with abortion procedures. more >>

A nursing student has partnered with a Christian legal defense group in filing a complaint against a Nashville, Tenn., university policy that requires participation in abortion procedures in order to enter its nurse residency program.

Alliance Defense Fund attorneys filed the complaint Tuesday against Vanderbilt University with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

A fourth-year nursing student, whose name was not revealed, is currently at another university but wishes to apply to Vanderbilt’s nurse residency program. The female student, however, is unable to do so because the admission forms require her to promise to participate in abortions. more >>

Nebraska State Senator Tony Fulton has pledged to take on chemical abortion drugs offered remotely through video conferencing in the New Year.

Fulton said he plans on introducing legislation requiring doctors to be physically present to administer abortion-inducing medication in the 2011 session. The proposed bill is aimed at keeping recent trend in Iowa clinics, called teleabortion, from crossing state lines.

The method uses advances in telecommunications to allow doctor who is physically miles away to video conference with clinic patients, and, with the press of a button, remotely administer an abortion drug. more >>

Belmont University president Bob Fisher said Tuesday that he was surprised over an attempt by city lawmakers to revive scrutiny of the school's hiring practices following the controversial departure of a lesbian coach.

Metro Nashville City Councilman Jamie Hollin has proposed a bill that would rescind a lease between the Metro Council and the Christian university for Rose Park, where construction for a $8 million athletic field is underway.

Hollin argues that the city should not be in contract with the university because it discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation, according the The Tennessean. more >>

Tennessee school districts received offers of free legal defense after a civil liberties group warned superintendents against hosting Christmas celebrations.

On Monday, 137 Tennessee school districts received letters from the Alliance Defense Fund encouraging them to continue to recognize Christmas despite threats from the American Civil Liberties Union.

The ADF letters informed the superintendents that teachers and students have the constitutional right to recognize Christmas and offered free legal assistance against possible lawsuits. more >>