November 6, 2023
For more than 75 years, the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction at Indiana University has promoted and fostered greater understanding of human sexuality and relationships through groundbreaking research, outreach, education, and historical preservation.
The following FAQ addresses key questions regarding IU’s commitment to the Kinsey Institute and ongoing efforts to ensure a permanent connection between the Kinsey Institute and Indiana University while protecting its legacy of intellectual freedom and academic inquiry.
Q: Does the current university administration support the Kinsey Institute and its mission at Indiana University?
A: IU President Pamela Whitten and Provost Rahul Shrivastav stand firmly in support of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University and its mission. Following passage of legislation from the Indiana General Assembly prohibiting state funds from supporting the Kinsey Institute, Whitten, Shrivastav and other university officials have been working in collaboration with the leadership of the Kinsey Institute to protect its research and education mission.
Q: What action is the university proposing in response to the legislation?
A: While the Kinsey Institute does not receive direct appropriations, the new legislation requires that the university also ensure that no state funds are indirectly used to support the Kinsey Institute. A limited number of the Institute’s operational functions have historically been supported by the university’s general fund, which may have indirectly included state dollars. Pending Board of Trustees approval, Indiana University would establish a nonprofit entity to separately fund and manage these limited functions. The Kinsey Institute, and the functions not led by the new nonprofit entity, would continue to operate at Indiana University. In compliance with state law, the new nonprofit entity would not receive any state appropriations.
Q: What functions would the new nonprofit provide for the Kinsey Institute?
A: While additional details will be determined during the process of establishing the nonprofit, the new entity would provide all administrative functions as well as communications, advancement, and research development functions required to foster Kinsey Institute research and education.
Q: How would this action impact current Kinsey Institute faculty and staff?
A: It is the university’s intention that all current and future research, scholarship, and educational initiatives led by faculty and staff will continue as part of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. Faculty will maintain their appointments and affiliation with the Kinsey Institute. Current Kinsey Institute faculty and staff will remain IU employees.
Q: What will happen to the Kinsey Institute Collections?
A: All collections associated with the Kinsey Institute will remain at IU and will remain in service of the Kinsey Institute’s research and educational mission.
Q: Will the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University continue to exist separate from the new nonprofit?
A: Yes. It is the university’s objective that the Kinsey Institute—and its name, research, scholarship, and education initiatives—continue as a pillar of intellectual freedom and academic inquiry at Indiana University.
Q: Would the creation of a new nonprofit entity impact gifts made to support the work of the Kinsey Institute?
A: All current gift agreements will be honored, and future gifts intended to support the Kinsey Institute can continue to be made through the Indiana University Foundation.