Lawsuit Challenges Governor Braun's Control Over Indiana University Board

A lawsuit has been filed by Indiana University alumnus and trustee candidate Justin Vasel, with support from the ACLU of Indiana, challenging changes in the state's budget bill that give Governor Mike Braun the authority to appoint or remove any member of Indiana University's Board of Trustees, including those previously elected by alumni. The new law, passed as part of House Bill 1001, eliminates alumni voting rights for three trustee positions, a practice that had existed for over 130 years. Plaintiffs argue this constitutes 'special legislation' in violation of the Indiana Constitution, as it applies only to Indiana University and not to other four-year public universities in the state, where alumni still have a say in board selection. Governor Braun defended the change, claiming alumni elections were unrepresentative and allowed a small group to control board appointments. The IU Alumni Association and other critics say the move disenfranchises alumni and undermines university governance traditions. The lawsuit seeks to restore alumni representation and ensure uniform governance rules across Indiana's public universities.