Politics - News at IU Indianapolis

Politics

18 years in, Carson faces real challenge: What Wells and Hornedo would do for IU Indianapolis students

By Thomas Garvey | April 21

On May 5, 2026, Indiana's 7th Congressional District will hold its most competitive Democratic primary in years. André Carson, an 18-year incumbent, is facing a real challenge for the first time since his 2008 victory. District 7 — which encompasses IU Indianapolis's campus — is a reliably safe Democratic house seat, meaning the primary winner will likely go on to represent the district in Washington. The Campus Citizen spoke with two of the leading Democratic challengers: Destiny Wells and George Hornedo. Wells comes in with a military background, having served in Afghanistan and now serving as a lieutenant colonel in military intelligence. Wells is an IU alumna and earned her law degree from the University of Texas in 2011.

Politics

Dozens gather at Monument Circle to protest immigration enforcement, joining statewide student movement

By Salsabil F. Qaddoura | Feb. 14

A crowd of protesters gathered Friday evening at Monument Circle to demonstrate against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and federal immigration enforcement policies, joining a wave of student-led protests taking place across Indiana and across the country.

Politics

Mid-session recap: Indiana legislature advances bills affecting IU Indianapolis students

By Salsabil F. Qaddoura | Feb. 13

As the Indiana General Assembly moves past the midpoint of its 2026 legislative session, lawmakers are advancing several bills that could directly affect Indiana University Indianapolis students, including legislation impacting university governance, state funding, faculty oversight and academic programs.

Politics

The termination of Temporary Protective Status affects thousands of Burmese Americans, most residing in Indiana

By Umu Sow | Feb. 11

On Jan. 26, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma, also known as Myanmar. Indiana hosts nearly 43,000 Burmese people. The termination of TPS for Burma will hurt 34,575 individuals, of whom 4,000 are of Burmese descent.

Politics

ICE has been spotted on your campus: Your rights and what you need to know

By Abby Godsen | Feb. 9

Immigrant and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased its presence in local communities and on college campuses in recent months. Below is information for current college students about their rights, legal expectations and what actions they can take.

Politics

IU Indianapolis cancels 57th MLK Dinner; students organize events across campuses

By Salsabil F. Qaddoura | Jan. 19

IU Indianapolis’ annual Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner, a campus tradition that has spanned nearly six decades, was cancelled this year, prompting frustration among students and leading a series of student-led events across Indianapolis on MLK Day.

Politics

Defeat of Trump-backed redistricting bill highlights stakes for IU Indianapolis students

By Salsabil F. Qaddoura | Dec. 11

Indiana lawmakers delivered a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump on Thursday, Dec. 11, voting down a controversial mid-cycle redistricting bill that would have dramatically reshaped Indiana’s congressional map and weakened the political influence of Indianapolis residents, including thousands of students at IU Indianapolis.

Politics

As ICE crackdowns escalate nearby, Indiana students brace for anti-sanctuary law

By Jaki Torres Garcia | Dec. 2

In early September, the Trump administration started their “crackdown” on the city of Chicago. This was done by enacting a federal initiative “Operation Midway Blitz,” with the purpose of targeting undocumented immigrants in Chicago. Due to the increase of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, the residents of Chicago have taken to protest, and there is concern for the state of Indiana and how the recent developments could impact the state.

Politics

Day of Action for Sudan: Indianapolis

By Umu Sow | Nov. 17

On Sunday, Nov. 9, in downtown Indianapolis, students, leaders, and community members from across Indiana rallied for Sudan in the cold and snowy weather.

Politics

IU webinar highlights policy shifts and student advocacy ahead of 2026 session

By Salsabil F. Qaddoura | Nov. 13

Indiana University Indianapolis officials outlined major federal and state policy developments during a graduate-student webinar hosted on Friday, Nov. 7. The emphasis was on new legislation, upcoming priorities for the 2026 General Assembly and the importance of civic engagement among students

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Politics

Yesterday Charlie Kirk would’ve turned 32: How Kirk's assassination sparked a nationwide debate on free speech

By Moumita Islam | Oct. 15

Charles James Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. His death sparked a nationwide debate on the implications of free speech. Yesterday, Kirk would have turned 32 years old.

Politics

‘Liberal arts degrees matter’: Newly passed budget bill hits School of Liberal Arts hardest

By Cristina Bueno | Oct. 8

On July 1, 2025, the Indiana General Assembly's House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1001-2025 was made effective, a new state budget bill that brings major changes to higher education. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) reported that seven universities across the state have been affected, with 74 programs eliminated, 101 suspended and 229 pending mergers. CHE reports that "six of those seven public institutions had voluntarily submitted degree program [changes] ahead of the effective date."

Politics

AI in the classroom: Tool or temptation?

By Salsabil F. Qaddoura | Oct. 2

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping higher education, altering how students complete assignments and how professors safeguard academic integrity. At Indiana University Indianapolis, the debate reflects a broader national divide: Some see AI as an essential tool for the future workforce, while others warn it undermines the very foundation of a college degree.

Politics

LGBTQ+ Center and Multicultural Center Potentially Relocated on IU Indianapolis Campus

By Abby Godsen | Sept. 10

Earlier this year, schools across the country saw a steep increase in cuts to “DEI” programs by the Trump Administration. Now student programs are either being cut, relocated, or losing funding as a result of state and national funding cuts.

Politics

‘Speedway Slammer’ -- Indiana’s version of Alligator Alcatraz

By Taylor Goebes | Aug. 7

The Department of Homeland Security announced on August 5 the new partnership with Indiana to expand the amount of beds used for detainees of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) at the Miami Correctional Center, a maximum-security prison, about 70 miles north of Indianapolis. Following the same ideals as “Alligator Alcatraz,” it will be called “Speedway Slammer,” in reference to Indiana’s racing culture.

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Politics

OPINION: Passing of HR-1 and cuts to state degree programs make higher education less attainable than ever

By Abby Godsen | July 11

Over the last few months, higher education has had major hits both on the state and national levels. With cuts to state funding, financial aid and programs offered, higher education has become less attainable than ever for Hoosiers.

Politics

Trump administration jeopardizes international college student visas

By Cristina Bueno | May 19

On April 4, Jelena Liu, a graduate student at IU Indianapolis, had her Service ID wrongfully revoked with no warning from the Student and Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS) record system. “I was checking my email box and I got a surprise gift,” Liu said. Liu is not an isolated case. Five more students from Purdue University, one student from Ivy Tech and one student from the University of Notre Dame have had their visas revoked.

Politics

Local organizations to host second annual Peace Walk in honor of National Youth Violence Prevention Week

By Salsabil F. Qaddoura | April 22

In 2024, youth violence prevention organizations in Indianapolis came together to host the inaugural Peace Walk, where hundreds of attendees gathered to stand up for a safer and more peaceful future. Gift Akintomide, a senior at Ben Davis University High School, is passionate about social justice and ...

Politics

A recap on legislation proposed in Indiana affecting LGBTQ+ rights during the 2025 session

By Melanie Contreras | March 27

On March 4, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed Executive Orders 25-35 and 25-36, addressing the classification and rights of transgender individuals in Indiana. The orders plan to define “gender” and “sex” as synonymous and ban transgender women’s ability to participate in college-level sports.

Politics

Students voice their stories and concerns about immigration

By Umu Sow and Melanie Contreras | March 5

“Go back to your country, and if you don't like it here, go back,” said Oscar Huizar, a Mexican-American student at IU Indianapolis. Huizar’s words echo the widespread rhetoric that many immigrants in the United States are facing, especially after President Trump has continued to implement harsh immigration policies.