Indiana Mandates Universities Showcase American Values in Degree Programs

Public colleges and universities in Indiana will soon be required to demonstrate how their new degree programs uphold American values. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is introducing a new approval process that mandates institutions to prove that their curricula foster “civic responsibility” and promote a “commitment to the core values of American society.”

This initiative comes at a time when Indiana’s educational landscape is shifting. Reports indicate that state universities have already eliminated nearly 20% of their programs due to low enrollment and completion rates. Notable cuts include Purdue University Fort Wayne’s program in “Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.”

Governance and oversight of higher education in Indiana have become a focal point under Gov. Mike Braun. The governor has spearheaded efforts to maintain stable tuition rates across all 15 public colleges and universities, successfully advocating for a 0% increase in fees for the upcoming academic year. This latest move by the commission appears to align with Braun’s vision for reforming higher education.

In a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation in July, Braun expressed concerns that what he termed “leftist programming” at many institutions has led employers to reconsider the value of post-secondary degrees. He argued that many companies no longer regard these qualifications as essential for job applicants, prompting the state to take steps to ensure that college degrees provide tangible value for their cost.

In addition to these measures, Braun signed an executive order in January 2023 prohibiting the use of taxpayer funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across state agencies. This order specifically bans any initiatives that promote “preferential treatment” based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

The atmosphere around higher education in Indiana has been further complicated by recent decisions at the University of Notre Dame. The university faced backlash when it attempted to dilute its Catholic heritage by revising its staff values, removing the requirement for employees to understand and accept the institution’s Catholic mission. Following public outcry, Notre Dame reversed its decision, reinstating “Catholic Mission” as the first of its five core values.

As the state moves forward with these educational reforms, the implications for both institutions and students will likely continue to evolve. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education’s new requirements set a precedent that may redefine the landscape of higher education in the state, emphasizing a connection to American values in academic programs.