FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2025
Vasel Files Constitutional Challenge to Law that Would Eliminate Elected IU Trustees
BLOOMINGTON, IN—In a significant legal development, Justin Vasel, candidate for the Indiana University Board of Trustees, today filed a lawsuit represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana challenging the constitutionality of recently-passed legislation that would eliminate elected trustee positions at Indiana University.
The ACLU of Indiana has taken on the case, which names Governor Braun as defendant and argues that sections 253–266 of HEA 1001 violate Article 4, Section 23 of the Indiana Constitution, which prohibits “special legislation” that singles out particular institutions for different treatment under the law.
“This challenge addresses a law that strikes at the heart of democratic governance at Indiana’s flagship university,” said Vasel. “This unconstitutional legislation threatens IU’s 134-year-old tradition of alumni representation while an election for those very positions is already underway.”
The ACLU-led legal challenge seeks an injunction to prevent the Governor from implementing the law while the courts determine its constitutionality. The involvement of the ACLU of Indiana underscores the significant civil liberties and constitutional issues at stake in the case.
As the only candidate thus far to mount a legal challenge, Vasel is fighting to preserve the positions that thousands of alumni will soon be voting to fill.
“Indiana University deserves trustees who will stand up to protect proper governance and alumni representation, even when it means challenging powerful interests,” Vasel said. “This unconstitutional action threatens the independent voice that elected trustees bring to university oversight.”
The case has been filed in Monroe County Circuit Court. A hearing date has not yet been set.
For more information about Vasel’s campaign for IU Trustee, visit www.VaselForIU.com.
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Contact:
Justin Vasel
[email protected]
www.VaselForIU.com
