Errington stands with Ball State professors and students against Senate Bill 202
INDIANAPOLIS – Today (Feb. 27), Republican-authored Senate Bill 202 calling for so-called “intellectual diversity” in higher education and restructuring the tenure system passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives by a vote of 67-30.
“I am a proud Muncie resident, and Ball State University is just a short walk away from my home. It is the leading job provider in my district and is home to some of the best professors in the state,” State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) said. “When both university professor and students come together in protest, I listen.
“Ball State and its students have made their disapproval of Senate Bill 202 known through testimony and protest. I echo the fears of my Ball State community about the harm this legislation would cause to the university.
“Senate Bill 202 is a danger to higher education in our state. Forcing professors to teach material that may be inaccurate just to avoid offending student sensibilities is antithetical to higher learning. Republicans claim that this bill promotes 'intellectual diversity,' but this couldn't be further from the truth. Intellectual diversity is not punishing professors for teaching uncomfortable facts.
“Like other universities, Ball State already has a system in place to evaluate faculty members, including tenured professors. Every semester, students are given the opportunity to review their instructors in a course evaluation survey. This allows students to provide their instructor and the university with direct feedback regarding any concerns they may have. If a student believes a professor is stifling free speech, they can make that known in these evaluations.
“This bill makes the bold accusation that our universities cannot be trusted to govern themselves. But I trust our world-class facilities. I trust our educators. I do not trust that this bill will do anything except dissuade potential students and faculty from enrolling in our state colleges.”
Senate Bill 202 now moves back to the Indiana Senate, where it originated, for further consideration.