Today, the ACLU of Indiana filed a lawsuit against Indiana State University alleging that a recent ISU decision to terminate work-study and other funding for students employed at the Pride Center of Terre Haute, Inc. violates the First Amendment.
The Pride Center is a non-profit organization that supports LGBTQ+ people in the Terre Haute area. It has been operated almost entirely by volunteers with support from ISU student workers. Part of the pay for the student workers comes from federal work study funds and grants administered by ISU.
In August, ISU terminated that funding, claiming that it was required to do so by a “Best Practices” statement issued by the United States Department of Justice to avoid discrimination. However, both the hiring practices and services offered by the Pride Center, which include health education and referrals, HIV testing, education seminars, and community activities, are open to all people, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.
Ken Falk, legal director, ACLU of Indiana, issued the following statement:
“Given the fact that the Pride Center does not discriminate, there is no justification for ISU’s actions. The decision to defund this program is clearly based on the Pride Center’s support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, all of which is supported by the First Amendment.”
Ian Braly, board secretary, The Pride Center of Terre Haute, issued the following statement:
“The Pride Center is dedicated to making the Wabash Valley a more inclusive place for everyone. As part of that, we offer services and support for people from all walks of life. These services are vital to the Terre Haute area – as are the student workers who help us provide them. Those who rely on us need our support now more than ever, and we just want to continue our mission to serve the community."
The complaint can be found here.
