NASHVILLE, Tenn.
The Tennessee Board of Regents has changed its decision to deny honorary degrees to 14 Tennessee State University students who were expelled for participating in Freedom Rides of the 1960s civil rights movement.
The board voted unanimously on Friday to change its March vote, which brought criticism from civil rights activists, and support a resolution that permits the university to award the degrees.
Board members who opposed the idea at the time explained their decision by saying honorary degrees are meant to recognize a lifetime of achievement, not a one-time action.
Members did not give reasons for the change.
“The reason for the vote is not important,” said board member Judy Gooch. “What is important is that we go forward, turn attention away from the board and to the students who should be appropriately honored.”
Gov. Phil Bredesen said he had talked with Regents Chancellor Charles Manning about the initial vote and that the board’s latest action was “the right thing”
