Indiana Passes Law Requiring Intellectual Diversity in Universities, Sparks Backlash
A new law in Indiana is causing a stir in the academic world, as it requires professors in public universities to foster a culture of “intellectual diversity” or face disciplinary actions, including termination for even those with tenure. The law, signed by Governor Eric Holcomb on March 13, connects the job status of faculty members to whether they promote “free inquiry” and “free expression” in the eyes of a university’s board of trustees.
State Senator Spencer Deery, who sponsored the bill, emphasized the need for more conservative viewpoints on campus. However, the backlash to the legislation has been substantial, with hundreds writing letters or testifying at hearings, and faculty senates at multiple institutions condemning it as government overreach and a blow to academic free speech.
Critics, including Irene Mulvey, the president of the American Association of University Professors, have described the law as “thought policing” and a threat to academic freedom. Similar measures have been proposed in other states, with some already passing, as Republican-led states target diversity programs in universities.
Under the Indiana law, university trustees may withhold tenure or promotion from faculty members who are deemed to not promote “intellectual diversity” or expose students to a range of political views. Even faculty members with tenure will be subject to regular reviews to ensure they meet these criteria, with the possibility of demotion or termination if they fall short.
While Governor Holcomb expressed faith in public universities to implement the law effectively, many faculty members in Indiana are concerned about job security and the subjective nature of the criteria. Alice Pawley, a professor at Purdue University, stated that many feel discouraged and believe their fate will be in the hands of trustees who lack expertise in their fields.
Even those who support the idea of more conservative voices on campuses have raised concerns about the vagueness of the law. Keith E. Whittington, a politics professor at Princeton University, noted that the law punishes faculty for not introducing enough ideas into their classes, rather than for introducing controversial ideas.
As the law goes into effect in July, the academic community in Indiana is bracing for potential changes and challenges ahead. With the focus on intellectual diversity, professors may find themselves navigating a fine line between academic freedom and job security.
