BEYOND THE HEDGES: Pagan group recognized at University of Tennessee

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RoseMerry Toney, president of the Pagan Alliance, said she applied for recognition after noticing several Christian groups on the campus. Her group followed the proper procedures, but the Student Government Association voted 10 to five against recognition.

Jonathan Hutchings, president of the student government, said members of the association "felt it was their responsibility to protect students," because "paganism has been destructive in a lot of communities."

Tennesee's vice chancellor for student affairs, Charles Renneisen, got involved after the student government decision. He said the student government's action would deny the pagans their right to free speech, and he granted them recognition.

Now the Pagan Alliance is permitted to meet on campus and apply for student-activity money and office space.

Source: The Chronicle of Higher Education, Jan. 31.

This item appeared in the News section of the January 31, 1997 issue.

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