BLOOMINGTON— An Indiana University professor has been sanctioned after an anonymous complaint about his classroom conduct was found to have merit, in what is likely the first case of its kind under Indiana’s new “intellectual diversity” law, Senate Enrolled Act 202 (SEA 202).
SEA 202 requires faculty to teach “intellectually diverse” ideas in the classroom. If they don’t, their tenure could be in jeopardy. The law also sets up a complaint process, so faculty could be reported for violating the act. Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs also must support “intellectual diversity.”
Former Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the law last year, despite protests from professors around the state. IU President Pamela Whitten also spoke out against it. Colleges are working to align policies with the law.
The law requires professors to promote free expression and intellectual diversity while avoiding political discussions unrelated to their field. It also established a new system for students to file complaints.
The complaint against Benjamin Robinson, a professor of Germanic studies, alleged that he used class time to discuss his political views on issues like campus free speech, his arrests during protests, and his opinions on the state of Israel.
Rick Van Kooten, the executive dean of IU’s College of Arts and Sciences, issued a five-page disciplinary letter to Robinson, stating that his conduct blurred the line between “personal life experiences, academic scholarship, and pedagogical practice.” The letter served as a formal warning, noting that this “compromises the integrity of the classroom environment and risks confusing or alienating students.”
While the sanction doesn’t carry immediate punishment, it has been added to Robinson’s permanent personnel file and will be considered in future faculty reviews. According to IU code, additional sanctions could lead to more severe penalties, including probation, suspension, or termination.
Robinson is challenging the sanction, claiming the university did not conduct a proper investigation. He pointed out that the complaint was anonymous and was not initially filed through the designated reporting system for SEA 202 concerns. He expressed concern that the university is making an example of him due to his past criticism of the administration and his participation in a Palestine solidarity encampment.
IU spokesperson Mark Bode declined to comment on the personnel matter.
