Lawmakers and students press UT Health Science Center concerns during confirmation of advisory‑board appointment

Representative Randall Leatherwood moved concurrence in Senate Joint Resolution 647 to confirm Dr. Randall Davis to the advisory board of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Representative Hart used his time during consideration to raise complaints from students and faculty at UT HSC, saying the floor remarks were not about the nominee but about institutional accountability.

Hart said five faculty members had resigned ‘‘due to ethical reasons regarding the mistreatment of students’’ and presented excerpts from a student letter that described alleged bullying, ‘‘undermining, and belittling’’ by faculty. He said students had tried to follow internal channels in 2024 and again in December 2025 but that, in their view, no meaningful action was taken. Hart said administrators had acknowledged awareness of concerns but at times declined to meet with students and that multiple investigations ordered previously had been flawed and did not follow UT policies.

‘‘We have occupational therapy students down there that are not getting the education that they deserve,’’ Hart said, and added he had provided documentation and met with university liaisons and the chancellor. Hart said the chancellor subsequently agreed to meet with students and that an investigation had been ordered, but he urged the body to support students and faculty who raise these concerns.

Deputy Speaker Zachary moved to roll the appointment for one week after the floor discussion; the motion met objection and the House proceeded to the next calendar item. The record shows the concerns were aired on the floor during consideration of SJR 647, and Representative Hart asked colleagues to ‘‘use all resources’’ available to ensure students and ethical faculty are supported.

The article reports only what was stated on the House floor: the transcript records student and faculty allegations and representatives’ statements that internal processes had been pursued; it does not report conclusions from independent investigation. The chair did not resolve the appointment on the floor immediately and the procedural motion to roll the matter was objected to and not adopted at that time.