State Representative Vernon Smith from Gary, representing the Democratic Party, expressed deep concerns regarding Senate Bill 202, which was approved by the House Education Committee on Wednesday, February 21 by an 8-4 vote. The bill, aimed at fostering “intellectual diversity,” raises significant apprehensions among university faculty and tenured professors. SB 202 entails a restructuring of university boards of trustees’ appointments, tenure and promotion protocols, and mandates the consideration of “intellectual diversity” in faculty evaluations, tenure assessments, and recruitment strategies.
During the previous week, the committee listened to extensive testimonies from faculty members and university leaders in Indiana, who voiced worries that the bill could impede intellectual exploration and freedom of expression.
Representative Vernon Smith, a tenured full professor at Indiana University Northwest, expressed his distress over the implications of the bill. He highlighted the comprehensive annual evaluations that faculty members in Indiana’s universities undergo, encompassing teaching, research, departmental service, campus engagement, community involvement, state contributions, and national service. He deemed the additional tenure review by the Board of Trustees every five years to evaluate ‘intellectual diversity’ as redundant.
He emphasized that true diversity goes beyond mere tolerance of diverse opinions, asserting that the fundamental goal of American education is to cultivate critical thinking individuals. He cautioned that the bill could hinder educators’ ability to challenge students’ perspectives and broaden their horizons.
The juxtaposition of embracing unpopular viewpoints with the struggles faced by minority students and faculty members was deemed as inappropriate by Representative Smith. He underscored the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on college campuses to ensure the fair treatment and representation of Black and brown students and faculty. He expressed concerns that the bill might negatively impact the recruitment and retention of a diverse academic community.
Sharing personal experiences, Representative Smith recounted instances of racial discrimination and violence he encountered during his youth, underscoring the significance of initiatives promoting diversity on college campuses. He stressed that such measures are crucial to address real challenges faced by students and faculty of color.
In conclusion, Representative Smith expressed his belief that the current system is not flawed but cautioned that the bill has the potential to jeopardize the existing framework.