IU comes out against same-sex marriage ban

IU announced its decision Monday to join a statewide bipartisan coalition, Freedom Indiana, in its effort to defeat the House Joint Resolution 6.

HJR6 would amend the Indiana state constitution to add the state’s current statutory ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions to the state constitution.

IU is Indiana’s first college to announce its support for the campaign, which was launched this summer.

“HJR6 sends a powerfully negative message of Indiana as a place to live and work that is not welcoming to people of all backgrounds and beliefs,” IU President Michael McRobbie said in a press release.

“We are proud to join the Freedom Indiana coalition and, in doing so, stand with some of Indiana’s most respected employers and organizations on the side of fairness.”

IU joins other prominent employers including Eli Lilly and the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce in denouncing the amendment.

The Indiana General Assembly will vote in January 2014 on whether to approve HJR6 for placement on a statewide referendum — slated for November 2014.

Freedom Indiana campaign leaders stated in a press release that having the state’s largest university as a part of the coalition will strengthen the force of their message to lawmakers, who will consider HJR6 during the upcoming legislative session.

James Wimbush, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, said the proposed amendment was in direct contradiction to his office’s commitment to provide broad access to IU’s outstanding educational opportunities.

“Not only would this amendment have a profound impact on Indiana’s economy, but it would codify intolerance in a way that directly contradicts the welcoming community that we strive to nurture at IU,” Wimbush said.


“Indiana University is a large employer here in Indiana. To remain competitive in attracting the best scholars to teach the most highly qualified students, we must keep our state open to all types of teachers and learners.”

About 20 student volunteers gathered in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student Support Services office Monday evening for the campaign’s weekly phone bank.

Freshman Freedom Indiana volunteer Morgan Mohr said she was relieved the University announced its support.

“IU is taking an important stance towards equality today,” Mohr said. “Bloomington is one of this state’s strongholds.”

Doug Bauder, director of GLBTSSS, said the IU administration advocated for LGBTQ equality legislation more quietly behind the scenes in recent years, making Monday’s public statement more effective.

“It mirrors the growing number of Hoosiers that are understanding the value of marriage equality,” Bauder said. “The administration has just come out as our allies.”

Mark Land, associate vice president of public affairs and government relations, said IU’s move to publicly announce support of Freedom Indiana was a result of senior leadership’s decision to step up for equality.

“IU has made no financial contribution to Freedom Indiana as of now,” Land said.  
McRobbie said the passing of HJR6 would deter prospective employees, which would add to the state’s challenges of remaining economically competitive.

“The University looks forward to lending a strong voice in the effort to ensure that the state’s Constitution is not altered to codify an intolerance that is not representative of the best of Hoosier values,” McRobbie said.  

Follow reporter Matt Bloom on Twitter @matthew_bloom.