Braun Restructures IU Trustees, Adds Purdue Tuition Update

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has used new authority from a recent state budget bill to remove and replace all three alumni-elected members of Indiana University's Board of Trustees, appointing attorney James Bopp Jr., attorney Brian Eagle, and former ESPN anchor Sage Steele, while extending the term of board chair Quinn Buckner. This action eliminates the alumni-elected trustee seats that had existed since 1891, transferring full appointment power to the governor. The move has drawn legal challenges from the ACLU of Indiana and criticism from alumni and former IU Alumni Association presidents, who argue it undermines alumni representation and university independence. Governor Braun maintains the new trustees, all IU alumni, will support efforts to strengthen IU's academic standing and research focus. In related developments, Purdue University is considering a tuition freeze for in-state students but plans increases for others, as both IU and Purdue face financial strain from a recommended tuition freeze and a $2.4 billion shortfall for Indiana’s public universities.