Indiana University is under fire from student journalists and press freedom advocates after announcing major changes to the Indiana Daily Student, the university’s student-run newspaper. The university has eliminated the IDS’ regular print edition, along with the paper’s Director of Student Media – moves the student editors say threaten the newsroom’s independence.
The university said the decision was made because of financial pressures and a shift to digital media. Administrators cited a large operating deficit and said decreasing print production would better position student journalists for success in a digital-first news world.
However, student editors argue the changes began after they were allegedly instructed not to publish news content in a special homecoming print edition. When the newsroom declined, the university fired Director Jim Rodenbush, who had supported the students’ editorial authority. Students say this sequence of events shows the decision was not solely financial, but instead an attempt to influence content.
Press freedom organizations have joined the students in calling the situation a potential case of censorship, emphasizing that IU is a public institution and must protect student journalists’ First Amendment rights.
The IDS will continue to publish online while students work to maintain editorial independence moving forward.