A recently proposed bill in Indiana has sparked controversy and concerns among the state's public academic institutions. Senate Bill 202 requires boards of public institutions such as Indiana, Indiana State, Purdue, Ball State, Vincennes Universities, University of Southern Indiana, and Ivy Tech Community College to implement policies denying promotion and tenure to faculty members based on specific transgressions related to fostering free inquiry and intellectual diversity, exposure of students to diverse scholarly works, and the avoidance of unrelated political or ideological views during teaching.

The bill further mandates post-tenure reviews for faculty members at least every five years, focusing on criteria including intellectual diversity, academic duties performance, and other criteria set by the board of trustees. Failure to meet these criteria could lead to repercussions such as salary reductions, demotions, or termination, impacting both tenured and nontenured faculty members.

Critics of the bill, including members of academic associations such as the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), have raised alarms over what they see as increased surveillance and political scrutiny that could stifle academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas. Concerns have also been expressed regarding the role of faculty members in the evaluation process, as the bill places the responsibility solely in the hands of the boards of trustees.

While the bill attempts to address potential politicization of faculty reviews, discrepancies in the drafting of its provisions have been noted. Additionally, the legislation outlines a process for students and employees to lodge complaints against faculty members and requires universities to report Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) expenses to the General Assembly along with their budget requests.

In response to the proposed bill, Indiana University president Pamela Whitten expressed deep concerns about the language surrounding faculty tenure, warning of risks to academic freedom, intellectual rigor, and the institution's ability to attract top-tier faculty members. The bill's impact on faculty governance and academic autonomy continues to be a subject of debate among educational stakeholders as the legislation moves forward.