The Indiana University Board of Trustees approved resolutions establishing a statement of policy on institutional neutrality and creating diversity committees at all core and regional campuses during its September meeting, as required under Senate Enrolled Act 202.

The policy on institutional neutrality limits the circumstances under which IU can take an official position on political, moral or ideological issues to those that affect the core mission of IU and its values of free inquiry, free expression and intellectual diversity. The policy applies to all members of the IU community, including employees, students, student organizations, alumni and contractors, as well as all IU campuses, schools, colleges, departments and operational units.

Members of the IU community can freely express their views in political or social debates as long as they are expressed in a personal capacity and not presented as official statements of or on behalf of IU.

The institutional neutrality policy does not limit the university’s ability to communicate with members of the IU community during emergency situations. It also does not impact IU’s ability to advocate for state funding or educational policies or to comment on proposals that could have a direct impact on its mission or operations.

IU remains committed to protecting and upholding freedom of expression, and the institutional neutrality policy is compatible with IU’s policies on Freedom of Expression, UA-14, and Expressive Activity, UA-10.

Trustees also approved a resolution creating diversity committees on all IU campuses. Each core and regional campus diversity committee will be made up of faculty, students, staff and administrators. The committees will meet quarterly and are required by state law to do the following:

• Review and recommend faculty employment policies concerning cultural and intellectual diversity issues.
• Review faculty and administration personnel complaints concerning cultural and intellectual diversity issues.
• Make recommendations to promote and maintain cultural and intellectual diversity among faculty members.
• Make recommendations to promote recruitment and retention of minority and underrepresented students.
• Issue an annual report stating the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the committee to the Board.