Oregon lawmakers push colleges to respect diverse community

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Lawmakers in the Oregon House of Representatives have approved a bill that would require public universities and community colleges to respect people from all cultures, races and sexual orientations.

The lawmakers spoke, at times emotionally, on Wednesday about the state's racist history, about continuing discrimination, and about their desire for inclusiveness.

The bill, which passed by a 45-15 vote and now goes to the Senate, aims to have institutions of higher learning achieve "cultural competency," which means responding respectfully and effectively to people from all walks of life.

Each public institution must provide oversight for cultural competency standards.