INDIANA – A contentious last-minute addition to the state budget bill passed by Indiana legislators on Thursday night is poised to grant Governor Mike Braun complete authority over the composition of the Indiana University Board of Trustees.
Currently, the Indiana University Alumni Association holds the power to appoint three of the nine seats on the board, while the governor appoints the remaining six. However, if Governor Braun signs the newly passed budget bill, he would gain the authority to appoint all nine members of the university’s governing body.
This move has sparked criticism and raised questions about transparency and the influence behind the decision. Steve Sanders, a professor at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, voiced strong concerns, saying it was a bad government practice with no transparency.
Echoing this sentiment, State Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, questioned the origins of the provision during Thursday night’s legislative session, asking who had come up with the idea.
State Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton, defended the change, stating that the key was to treat IU the same as other universities – IU is the only university that requires an election.
Pierce swiftly countered this argument by pointing out that Purdue University’s alumni also elect their three representatives, allowing the alumni association to determine its selection process.
Thompson responded, “Because the only one required in terms of an election, in code, IU is an outlier in that regard.”
Pierce pressed further, “Well, isn’t this an election if you’re going to get all the Purdue Alumni Association together and in a manner that they prescribe they’re going to select someone. Isn’t that an election?” to which Thompson conceded, “That’s a type of election.”
Professor Sanders highlighted the seemingly targeted nature of the legislation, stating the impetus for this change likely originated within the university itself, specifically from the top – President Pamela Whitten. He theorized that President Whitten has been uncomfortable with the alumni association’s control over three board seats and the vocal opposition of alumni appointees to certain university decisions. This, according to Sanders, suggests Whitten may have sought legislative intervention.
Regarding the potential impact on Indiana University, Sanders noted that it hinges on Governor Braun’s appointments.
The budget bill now awaits Governor Braun’s signature, and the future composition and direction of the Indiana University Board of Trustees hang in the balance.
