(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Indiana lawmakers this week are debating legislation concerning higher education that got a resounding rejection from academics.
Senate Bill 202, proposed by Republican Spencer Deery, was opposed by the Purdue University Senate on a vote of 81-to-5. It changes the phrase cultural diversity to cultural and intellectual diversity.
Deery believes the measure would ensure all professors continue educating students of different viewpoints, WBST 22 reports.
"We all benefit, no matter your political beliefs.. we all benefit from being challenged and exposed to new scholarly ideas," he said.
Some critics say this is an effort to limit the ability of those in higher education to talk about race. It would require an evaluation process for tenured professors regarding cultural and intellectual diversity.
Some local professors say they worry this bill is "governmental overreach," according to WBST 22.
It’s similar to legislation passed in Florida. Proponents argue this kind of legislation protects those who could be silenced.
State Representative Ed Delaney, a Democrat, said faculty wouldn’t want to work in Indiana if this becomes law.
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