The following is a transcript of the Weekly News Rundown.
Elakai Anela: Welcome to the Weekly Rundown, it’s Monday, Nov. 17. I’m Elakai Anela, filling in once again this episode for Annabel Prokopy.
Nate Soco: In faculty news, about 15 retired professors met with IU Chancellor David Reingold at the Emeriti House to discuss concerns over shared governance and academic freedom. The meeting lasted more than an hour and included questions about a new policy passed in June based on Indiana Code that bars emeriti from voting in faculty governance. Some emeritus professors are suing to challenge the rule, arguing it undermines their long-standing role in university decision-making.
E: Two emeriti pressed Reingold directly, asking if he would support a Bloomington Faculty Council resolution to restore their voting rights. Reingold said the university’s lawyers believe it would be illegal for trustees to adopt that resolution, though he emphasized that faculty still control day-to-day decisions. The conversation grew tense, with professors warning that the administration is limiting faculty independence and steering research away from certain topics. How did that meeting end, Nate?
N: Ultimately, despite the tough questions, the meeting ended with applause. Some emeriti said they appreciated Reingold’s willingness to listen, even if they disagreed with his stance, while others remained skeptical about the administration’s commitment to shared governance.
E: Nate, today we’re also discussing concerns over academic freedom at Indiana University. School of Social Work lecturer Jessica Adams says she was removed from her Diversity, Human Rights and Social Justice class after a student filed an intellectual diversity complaint. The dispute centered on a lesson about structural racism and white supremacy.
N: The complaint focused on Adams’ use of a pyramid of white supremacy graphics used in class which included references to “Make America Great Again” and Columbus Day as forms of white supremacy. The student who made the complaint then took it to Republican Sen. Jim Banks’ office, who brought it to the Dean of the School of Social Work, leading to Adams’ removal. The complaint was possible due to Senate Enrolled Act 202, which is a law that lets students report professors they believe aren’t creating intellectual diversity in the classroom.
E: Adams insists she was teaching within her course framework but argues she was denied due process in the investigation. Meanwhile, two of her students say her removal disrupted their education and left them in the dark.
N: In local government news, leaders in Ellettsville are exploring a possible consolidation with Richland Township. The merger would combine services and streamline operations for residents in the area, Town Manager Mike Farmer said. Officials say the move could improve efficiency, but community members will now weigh what it could mean for the town’s identity.
E: And finally in city housing news, the Bloomington City Council discussed reforms to zoning and building codes aimed at expanding affordable housing. Nate, do you know anything else about the meeting?
N: Yes, Elakai, the council discussed changes to density rules and building requirements, with the goal of addressing rising housing costs and increasing access for residents. Council President Hopi Stosberg said the next step is to amend the Unified Development Ordinance, which could begin early next year.
E: That’s all for this week’s rundown. To stay informed, visit idsnews.com for more updates.
