Howard Korn/DePauw University
DePauw University
Courtesy Photo
June 9, 2025
The Indiana Annual Conference has officially backed UMC-related DePauw University for its continued support of diversity and inclusion in the face of a threat from the state’s attorney general.
According to a June 5 report by Cate Charron of the Indianapolis Star, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita warned DePauw University and Butler University that he may “take legal action that could complicate their nonprofit tax-exempt status if he finds their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies could violate state and federal law.”
Charron’s article continued: “In letters sent to the university presidents May 28, Rokita argued the institution’s DEI-friendly policies could constitute racial discrimination and violate civil rights laws.
“Both universities still list DEI as priorities within their strategic plans. Rokita largely pointed to those goals and adjoining policies as the basis for his letters. In those plans, the universities say they seek to attract more diverse faculty and staff, provide improved support to those communities and build a campus promoting DEI principles.
“The colleges have until June 27 to respond to Rokita’s letter with answers to his questions and requested data. Whether he takes further action, he said in a news release, depends on the colleges’ responses and if they are following a 'legal and moral commitment to racial equality.'”
“If a university doesn’t comply, his letters threaten challenges to the institution’s nonprofit status. However, the Internal Revenue Service, if it chooses, would still need to investigate and decide to revoke a school’s tax-exempt status,” Charron wrote.
Also according to the Indianapolis Star, DePauw president Lori White has been a vocal supporter of diversity and inclusion policies. She was among 27 liberal arts college presidents to sign a letter in May 2023, stating they would continue prioritizing inclusive policies after the Supreme Court’s decision “to make race-conscious admissions illegal.”
Charron reported, “In a statement sent to IndyStar, DePauw said 'we uphold high ethical standards and do not engage in unlawful discrimination in our admissions and hiring practices.'”
Near the close of the 2025 session of the Indiana Annual Conference June 7, the Rev. Dr. Phil Amerson brought a motion “to reaffirm our commitment to living out our denominational Social Principles by ending systemic racism.”
“We aspire to extend our support for institutions of higher education facing governmental threats,” Dr. Amerson was quoted in a conference wrap-up report. “Attacks from state officials have been attacks on institutions of higher education…It’s important that we stand with all the institutions of higher education, especially our United Methodist ones. We will continue to struggle against the systemic racism that pervades our nation and state.”
Dr. Amerson is president emeritus of two UMC-related seminaries, Claremont School of Theology in California and Garrett-Evangelical Theology Seminary in Evanston, Ill. An Indiana native and son of a Methodist pastor, he recently began a podcast, “Be and Do,” a production of the Belonging Exchange, a ministry described as “dedicated to fostering a sense of community and belonging. Our mission is to strengthen civic relationships and celebrate the gifts of neighbors through community events, education, retreats and faith initiatives.”
His motion drew support from others, reported the conference website:
“Laura Curry, laity, spoke in favor of the motion. ‘I’ve seen firsthand the impact of the actions of state representatives for incoming freshmen of color,’ she said.
“Alisa Clapp-Itnyre spoke for the motion as one who teaches in the Indiana University system. ‘I’ve been under attack and at risk by teaching such controversial topics. I’d love it if The United Methodist Church would make a strong statement against the DEI and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation.’”
The motion passed.
In April, 18 leaders of United Methodist-related colleges and universities signed a statement from the American Association of Colleges and Universities pledging non-cooperation with the Trump administration’s intrusions into higher education.
As reported May 1 by United Methodist Insight, the AACU statement, “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” asserts:
“As leaders of America’s colleges, universities, and scholarly societies, we speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education. We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses. We will always seek effective and fair financial practices, but we must reject the coercive use of public research funding.”
The United Methodist Church maintains ties to 109 U.S colleges and universities in keeping with its founder, John Wesley, an Oxford don, to “unite knowledge and vital piety.”
Cynthia B. Astle is Editor of United Methodist Insight, an online journal she founded in 2011 to provide news and views about, for and by marginalized and underserved United Methodists.