SALT LAKE CITY -- Both the Utah Senate and House passed a bill Wednesday that would make Dixie State College a university.
The Senate passed the bill unanimously. Sen. Steve Urquhart summarized the bill, and the vote began quickly without any discussion on the name controversy.
The House briefly debated continuing the use "Dixie" is the university name.
"I understand the built-in hatred that was in the world because of the Civil War," said Rep. Don Ipson. "No one who lives there that's worked to make this happen has any thought of discrimination or bigotry."
The House voted 68-6 in favor of the bill.
The next step is for the bill to be signed by Gov. Herbert. At that point, the college would become a university.
Related: Dixie State Board of Trustees votes on new university name
