Indiana State University’s work-study cut sparks First Amendment lawsuit

The Pride Center of Terre Haute Inc., an LGBTQ+ nonprofit, filed a lawsuit against Indiana State University, asserting that the school’s termination of its work-study program infringed on First Amendment protections. The Center had employed students whose job descriptions required them to be “affirming” of LGBTQ+ people, a criterion the university cited when ending the partnership, referencing a DOJ memo on avoiding preferential treatment.

Indiana ACLU legal director Kenneth Falk argued the move was driven by the university’s opposition to the Center’s DEI focus. ISU counsel Christopher Bayh countered that the decision aligns with Supreme Court precedent allowing the government to fund programs based on neutral criteria. The Seventh Circuit judges, including John Z. Lee, Kenneth Ripple, and Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, questioned the necessity of showing deliberate suppression of speech before deeming it unconstitutional. No ruling date was provided.