A new law in Indiana requires professors in public universities to foster a culture of “intellectual diversity” or face disciplinary actions, including termination for even those with tenure, the latest in an effort by Republicans to assert more control over what is taught in classrooms.
The backlash to the legislation, which Gov.
Eric Holcomb, a Republican, signed March 13, has been substantial.
Hundreds wrote letters or testified at hearings, and faculty senates at multiple institutions had urged the legislature to reject the bill, condemning it as government overreach and a blow to academic free speech.
“The whole point of tenure is to protect academic freedom,” said Irene Mulvey, the president of the American Association of University Professors, who described the law as “thought policing.”
Persons:
Spencer Deery, Eric Holcomb, overreach, ”, Irene Mulvey
Organizations:
Republican, American Association of University
Locations:
Indiana