After reporting himself to Indiana University leadership, another staff member is facing termination for attending candlelight vigils for free speech on campus.
In a letter from his dean, Carl Pearson, a staff member in the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, was warned that he would be fired if he participates in the protests again. Protesters host the vigils Sunday nights at the Sample Gates around 11 p.m. to intentionally violate IU’s expressive activity policy. The policy bans protests between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Pearson, Associate Director of the Center for the Study of the Middle East, joins more than two dozen people cited by IU, including community members, faculty, students and staff. IU has threatened to fire another staff member.
IU officials declined comment on individual conduct cases but said the policy will be enforced.
Pearson said he’s attended and spoken at the protests because he believes the expressive activity policy is unconstitutional, too broad and unevenly enforced. After attending the protests multiple times without issue, Pearson reported himself to the university, expecting to be sanctioned.
Read more: IU activist, retired lawyer cited for candlelight protest
“Freedom of thought, freedom of expression, freedom of speech and freedom of religion are core principles of the idea of the university and of the American Constitution,” Pearson said. “IU has rejected these principles in an attempt to silence speech, particularly speech which humanizes the Palestinian people.”
After reporting himself, Pearson received a written warning for violating the expressive activity policy. He also met with the dean of his academic unit and human resources. As a staff member without a union or other protections, he can be fired at will.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana is suing IU over the expressive activity policy. Pearson’s written warning states that until the courts reach a formal decision on the policy, IU will enforce it.
Read more: ACLU sues IU again for expressive activity policy
Some cited by IU were reported by the IU Police Department or university administrators.
In September, Provost Rahul Shrivastav said IU President Pamela Whitten agreed to review the policy in spring 2025.
Pearson said he doesn’t plan on being fired, and he doesn’t want to lose his job.
“But the university is in trouble,” Pearson said. “And if people care about the institution, they need to stand up and say, ‘This is a violation of academic freedom. This is a violation of what the university stands for. And this is a violation of the Constitution.’”
George Hale contributed to this story.
Aubrey is our higher education reporter and a Report For America corps member. Contact her at aubmwrig@iu.edu or follow her on X @aubreymwright .
