Earlier this week, Indiana Governor Mike Braun fired the three alumni-elected members of Indiana University’s Board of Trustees and installed three of his own picks.
In a last-minute amendment to the state budget this session, Braun was granted control of all nine of IU’s trustees by the general assembly. Previously, six were named by the governor and three were selected by alumni.
One of the fired trustees, Vivian Winston, had just one month left in her term.
Read more: Braun defends move on IU trustees while terminated members speak out
The move was more of what critics see as government overreach of the university.
Last month, IU and other state schools closed their offices of diversity, equity and inclusion after being threatened with a loss of funding. And, due to cuts at the federal and state level, IU is looking to cut $100 million from next year’s budget, while also freezing in-state tuition for the next two years.
Read more: As threats to DEI grow, students, community members fear what could be lost
Indiana University isn’t alone among schools facing pressure from the government to eliminate anything related to DEI, curb antisemitism on campuses and protect free speech. The Trump administration threatened to pull $400 million from Columbia University and most recently has had an on-going feud with Harvard.
Read more: Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over ‘Improper Government Intrusion’
On this week's Noon Edition, we will discuss moves by the state and federal governments to regulate higher education institutions and their responses – and lack of – to it.
Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org. You can also record your questions and send them in through email.
GUEST
Sarah Brown, News Editor, The Chronicle for Higher Education
Michael O’Brien, Managing Partner, 1816 Public Affairs Group
Russ Skiba, Professor Emeritus, Indiana University School of Education
