Bill to Strip Police Powers ‘Unbelievable’ to Vanderbilt

Dr. Cory Slovis says Vanderbilt police are used to secure the medical center emergency room when victims of gang violence are being treated. Image courtesy VUPD

State lawmakers are threatening to pull the rug out from under Vanderbilt University’s police force of 90 sworn officers. It’s a roundabout way to overturn a controversial non-discrimination policy on campus.

So-called “all-comers” rules have attracted the ire of conservative Christians who fear religious student groups will be forced to accept members who don’t believe the way they do.

Last year, Governor Bill Haslam vetoed a bill that tried to single out Vanderbilt by withholding state funding. This year the proposal would strip Vanderbilt’s police powers unless it rescinds the all-comers rule.

“There is nothing this bill is forcing anybody to give up that they arguably have any constitutional right to have,” says David Fowler, head of the Family Action Council of Tennessee.

The legislation is sponsored by some of the most ideological members of the General Assembly, Sen. Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) and Rep. Mark Pody (R-Lebanon).

The university is taking the threat seriously, sending representatives to lobby lawmakers.

“We’re talking about heightening safety and heightening security so we can be comfortable in our communities,” says Vanderbilt police chief August Washington. “So I have to tell you that I find it unbelievable that we would be considering this.”

Vanderbilt police patrol the West End campus, as well as satellite locations such as the 100 Oaks medical offices.

The most critical role for officers is securing the emergency room when victims of gang violence are dropped off.

“If we can’t lock down the emergency department immediately, we become an unsafe environment,” says Dr. Cory Slovis, chair of emergency medicine.