MUNCIE, Ind. — Ball State University has canceled an upcoming LGBTQ+ staff training session, citing potential new laws in Indiana as the reason why.
An employee development session titled LGBTQ 101 was scheduled for Ball State staff members on April 16. It was part of the university’s annual Learning and Development sessions for “employee professional growth.”
However, Ball State officials confirmed to FOX59/CBS4 on Friday that the session will no longer be hosted. BSU Associate Vice President Greg Fallon said the session has been “paused” due to bills and potential laws currently working their way through the Indiana Statehouse.
“The session was scheduled nearly three months out on April 16,” Fallon wrote in an email. “Amid bills that have been introduced in Indiana’s current legislative session, leadership of the Office of Inclusive Excellence at Ball State felt it was prudent to pause this session until there is further clarity.”
While Ball State leadership did not clarify what they were specifically concerned about, it is possible its inclusion office is referring to Senate Bill 235.
SB-235 is a potential law limiting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives throughout the state. The bill specifically mentions schools and universities and would allow the attorney general “to bring an action concerning noncompliance against a state educational institution.”
It is currently unclear if the bill would directly affect the University or its Office of Inclusive Excellence. FOX59/CBS4 has reached back out to Ball State for clarification on which specific bills they are referring to.
Fallon’s full explanation of the session’s cancellation can be read below:
“Ball State offers a variety of Learning and Development sessions annually to support employee professional growth. A session titled LGBTQ 101 was among them. The session was scheduled nearly three months out on April 16. Amid bills that have been introduced in Indiana’s current legislative session, leadership of the Office of Inclusive Excellence at Ball State felt it was prudent to pause this session until there is further clarity.”
– Greg Fallon, Associate Vice President of University Communications and Digital Strategy
No other information was immediately provided by Ball State, including whether the session is expected to make a return or be paused permanently.
