UNC's non-discrimination policy still under review

The group charged with reviewing UNC’s non-discrimination policy for student groups has pinpointed a popular national model — one that requires groups to accept any student regardless of beliefs.

Committee members are evaluating the different policies of some of UNC’s peer institutions and hope to have a recommendation ready by the end of the semester.

The committee was created to examine the University’s policy after Psalm 100, a Christian a cappella group, expelled senior Will Thomason, who is gay, in August for his views on homosexuality.

Among the 15 schools considered by the group, 10 have the “all comers” policy, while only one — the University of Wisconsin-Madison — shares UNC’s model, which allows all groups to limit membership based on a student’s beliefs.

“We haven’t made up our mind that we want to change it,” said Dean of Students Jonathan Sauls, one of the heads of the committee. “We’re just looking to figure out how we can get there.”

Emory University has the all-comers model, by which groups cannot discriminate against a student based on any factor, such as race or religion.

“The main priority at Emory University is creating an environment that does not discriminate,” said Natasha Hopkins, assistant director for student organizations and alternative breaks at Emory.

Hopkins said student groups have not contested the policy, and she would recommend the all comers model to UNC.

“I could not personally support a campus that does not support all of its students.”

In contrast, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s policy lets student groups select and limit membership based on beliefs.

Eric Knueve, assistant dean and director of the Center for Leadership and Involvement at Wisconsin, said the policy applies more to religious groups.

“They can require that (a member) believe a certain belief,” he said. “But they can’t require they ascribe to a certain status. They can’t say, ‘Be a Christian.’”

The university changed its policy in 2006 when it was sued by a religious student group that had lost the school’s recognition after trying to use religious criteria to elect its leaders.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Winston Crisp will make a decision based on the group’s report.

Hypothetically, he said, the all comers model would protect students against discrimination.

“Generally speaking, if everybody who wants to join can join, there is never going to be a question if someone is being discriminated against,” he said.

Staff Writer Katie Quine ?contributed reporting.

Contact the University Editor ?at university@dailytarheel.com.