NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Three of Tennessee's largest universities have started feeling the heat from Senator Marsha Blackburn. She said she has proof all three are not following President Trump's executive order to end diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

"I know that these universities are going through audits to make certain that they're complying with state and federal law and that they are ridding these DEI policies," Blackburn said.

According to Blackburn, leaked video footage from each university shows employees talking about concealing or renaming DEI policies.

Blackburn shared links purportedly proving the subterfuge in her newsletter and online here. She also mentioned the repercussions of not following President Trump's directive, and how it could affect their federal funding.

According to the national research organization Urban Institute, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville received nearly $200 million in federal funding last school year; Vanderbilt University received more than a quarter-billion dollars; Belmont University was not listed on their website.

"Seeing that these universities are complying with not educating on DEI — I just find that to be despicable," UT-Knoxville alumna Valerie Victor said. "...So disheartening to see that this is how Marsha Blackburn wants to spend her time."

Others on social media supported the senator, thanking her for her efforts and asking her to shut down DEI favoritism, though they declined to be interviewed by News 2.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-politics/senator-marsha-blackburn-continues-to-push-back-against-dei-initiatives/