More than two months after the University decided to review its non-discrimination policy for student groups, it has yet to begin discussion of the issue.
Next week, a committee of students, faculty and staff charged with examining the policy will begin meeting, though not all of the committee members have been chosen yet, Dean of Students Jonathan Sauls said in an email.
The review is in response to the University’s investigation into the Christian a cappella group Psalm 100. In August, the group expelled senior Will Thomason, who is gay, for his views on homosexuality.
In October, administrators found the group did not violate the non-discrimination policy, which allows groups to limit membership based on an individual’s views as long as no student is excluded based on a set of characteristics, including sexual orientation.
Thomason said he is frustrated that the review hasn’t moved faster. “They made it clear that they would do a thorough job, but it’s taking longer than I would have hoped,” he said.
The committee will be led by Sauls and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Bettina Shuford.
Shuford said she and Sauls wanted to ensure a wide representation of students and faculty, and exams and winter break stalled the process further.
“Right now we are nailing down the last one or two participants who have been invited,” Sauls said. He added that there will be 12 to 15 members on the committee.
Shuford said the review will begin by examining the current policy and how it was originally implemented.