Indiana University President Pamela Whitten is criticizing a bill that would drastically change tenure at the state’s public universities.
Senate Bill 202 proposes allowing trustees to revoke a professor’s tenure for failing to promote what it calls “intellectual diversity.” Critics of the bill say this would stifle political speech and dissuade academics from moving to Indiana.
Read more: Senate bill could change tenure dramatically
In a statement to Indiana Public Media, Whitten said:
“While we are still analyzing the broad potential impacts of SB 202, we are deeply concerned about language regarding faculty tenure that would put academic freedom at risk, weaken the intellectual rigor essential to preparing students with critical thinking skills, and damage our ability to compete for the world-class faculty who are at the core of what makes IU an extraordinary research institution.
“We all share the common goal to maximize the university's capacity to make scientific breakthroughs, attract talented students and faculty, drive economic development, and create better outcomes for all Hoosiers. As crafted, my concern is that SB 202 risks unintended consequences that threaten not just the stature of Indiana University, but the economic and cultural vitality of the state.”
The bill has been panned by university faculty, although its supporters in the statehouse say it would make conservative-leaning students feel more welcome on campus.
An IU spokesperson confirmed that the university is in communication with the bill’s author, Republican Senator Spencer Deery of Tippecanoe County.
