As President Whitten shared in public comments last week, we affirm our deep commitment to academic freedom and intellectual rigor — as well as our shared responsibility to confront threats to those core values.
In recent weeks, I have heard profound concern from faculty and community members around proposed state legislation, particularly Senate Bill 202, and IU’s renowned Kinsey Institute. I write to reaffirm our strong advocacy in both areas.
Advocating for IU
Among other provisions, Senate Bill 202, which has now been approved by the state Senate and is under consideration in the House, would add a new review of our tenured faculty.
I share the President’s belief that SB 202 risks unintended consequences that threaten not just the stature of Indiana University, but the economic and cultural vitality of the state.
Our pursuit of academic excellence requires that we ensure IU is known for expansive intellectual inquiry, robust discourse, and the freedom to explore topics that expand knowledge. Only through confidence in the stability of these qualities can we compete for the talent – faculty, staff and students – that shapes our collective impact.
We are and will continue to seek common ground in maximizing the capacity for public research universities in Indiana to make scientific breakthroughs, attract talented students and faculty, drive economic development and create better outcomes for all Hoosiers.
Protecting the Kinsey Institute as a Pillar of Academic Inquiry
I would like to offer a special thanks to members of the Kinsey working group I charged, who have recently submitted their observations and recommendations, following a series of listening sessions with the community.
The community’s feedback has been heard and will be shared directly with the Board of Trustees. This feedback includes concerns related to the Kinsey collections, potential impact on donors, desired advocacy for the Institute by senior leaders, faculty and student recruitment, and the safety of faculty and staff.
This last point, regarding safety and well-being, came up frequently in the listening sessions. To colleagues involved in the Kinsey Institute, please know we understand you continue to be targeted by those who question the need for this vital work, including the spread of misinformation that impugns the integrity and character of our colleagues.
While we may not always say so enough, we are proud that you have chosen to be part of our community. The hate and misinformation you withstand is undeserved, and yet, you persist in advancing understanding and hope for those who follow in the spirit of human connection. Thank you for all that you do – and for who you are. IU values you.
The President and I remain committed to protecting the Kinsey Institute and to ensuring that its name, research, scholarship, collections, and education initiatives continue as a pillar of intellectual freedom and academic inquiry at IU.
The Board of Trustees will consider the feedback from the working group as the university determines a path forward. I want to emphasize that everyone involved in this process seeks to protect and promote the work of the Kinsey Institute – in perpetuity at IU.
On each of these topics, together we will continue to affirm our highest values as we drive the university and state forward.
