Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
A newly constituted Indiana University Board of Trustees on Thursday changed the school’s protest policy related to a federal lawsuit after Gov. Mike Braun’s three new appointees were sworn in.
Other topics included new degree programs, tuition and fees, and a legislative update.
The governor recently removed three alumni-elected board members in favor of his own appointees after lawmakers gave him the new powers earlier this year. Two IU alumni silently held signs at the back of the room, urging President Pamela Whitten to sign a resolution by the American Association of Colleges and Universities condemning political interference in higher education. A third alum joined, standing for the entire session in protest of state overreach into university governance.
The public meeting, held on IU Bloomington’s campus, began with the swearing in of Braun’s newly appointed trustees – sports reporter Sage Steele, conservative attorney James Bopp, Jr. and attorney Brian Eagle.
“Now that we have you, let’s put you to work,” said Board Chairman Quinn Buckner.
Expressive Activity Policy
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana has filed multiple lawsuits against IU over the last year. One of those challenged IU’s expressive activity policy, claiming the time restrictions on when students can protest violate the First Amendment.
IU’s general counsel said they incorporated feedback from the university and the judge overseeing the lawsuit to make new amendments. The board unanimously passed the changes made to the policy, although the exact amendments were not discussed.
The Expressive Activity Policy webpage has since changed and no longer includes the contested time restrictions on protests. The only trustee to make comments during discussion was Bopp, who praised the new amendments and mentioned he once protested at Dunn Meadow as an IU student.
“It’s a hallowed ground, as far as I’m concerned.” Bopp said.
Tuition, degrees
The board also unanimously approved the tuition and fee proposals for the 2025-2027 academic years — despite a $60 million cut from the state budget.
IU Chief Financial Officer Jason Dudich presented a two-year tuition freeze proposal for in-state tuition. But tuition for out-of-state undergraduate students will increase by 1%, and graduate programs will increase by 2%, with the exception of certain medical and health fields.
The trustees also approved IU’s 2026 fiscal year budget, which includes a 2% salary increase for faculty and staff, eliminates select unfilled positions to target reductions, limits operational expenses, and takes back support for non-academic programs.
IU Provost Rahul Shrivastav presented seven new degree programs that were all unanimously approved by the board, too. The new programs are:
- B.S. in Computer Engineering
- B.S. in Global Media
- B.S. in Media Advertising
- B.S. in Public Relations
- M.S. in Media Leadership and Business
- B.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Science
- B.S. in Biomedical Sciences (IU Indy School of Science)
Bopp continued his vocal participation in the meeting, questioning the cost of the new programs and if they mesh with recent Indiana legislative changes. He also at times pushed for more transparency on policy changes.
Lawmakers passed language during the 2025 legislation to limit the number of programs based on degrees being conferred.
Bopp asked if there had been any recommendations to terminate degree programs. Shrivastav said the school is still working out how many programs are likely to be cut. IU has to report by June 23 on how many degree programs are at risk, Bopp said.
Navigating federal and state policy
Vice President for University Relations Michael Huber said IU is among the most competitive institutions for federal research funding. However, he’s concerned that proposed federal budget cuts to the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and federal student aid could jeopardize IU’s research.
“The biggest concern down the road is federal funding,” Huber said.
The board also heard a legislative update and approved updates to 26 policies to ensure compliance with new state legislation. Several university policies have already been revised on IU’s website.
The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization that covers state government, policy and elections
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.