Indiana University Dismisses Student Newspaper Adviser Over News Story Dispute

Indiana University recently faced criticism after dismissing Jim Rodenbush, the student newspaper adviser. The controversy arose over a reported dispute about maintaining editorial independence in the student paper.

Administrative Actions Stir Tensions

Indiana University experienced a backlash following its decision to terminate Rodenbush. He refused an administrative order to exclude news stories from a homecoming edition of the Indiana Daily Student. This move drew concerns over censorship and the First Amendment rights of student journalists.

Shift from Print to Digital

The university announced the end of print editions for the student newspaper, moving resources to digital platforms. This decision was presented as a way to enhance students’ educational experience while addressing financial issues.

• Jim Rodenbush, the newspaper adviser, was terminated on Tuesday.
• Print editions now ceased, with digital efforts emphasized.
• The university receives annual subsidies of $250,000 from its Media School.

Independent Editorial Control

Indiana University claims it supports the editorial independence of student media. However, the dismissal of Rodenbush raised questions about administrative influence on student editorial decisions.

Community Reaction

The student newspaper’s co-editor-in-chief, Andrew Miller, classified the firing as a scare tactic. Advocates, including Mark Cuban and the Student Press Law Center, have criticized the move. Rodenbush asserts that the paper’s publishing decisions must remain with the students, not advisers.

Despite having no knowledge of specific articles that upset administrators, Rodenbush mentioned a broader trend of limiting potentially negative coverage. Restricted from print, the paper published controversial stories online, tackling topics like campus sexual assaults and allegations against IU’s President.