Indiana University parted ways with longtime athletic trainer Tim Garl after allegations emerged that he ignored reports of sexual abuse within the men's basketball program, a decision made following external pressure and a lawsuit by former players.

Following FBI search warrants executed at the homes of cybersecurity professor XiaoFeng Wang and his wife, Indiana University removed their online profiles from its website. Although no criminal case has been filed, the action raises concerns over academic freedom and institutional transparency, suggesting a deference to governmental pressure that could undermine open democratic engagement.

Indiana University spent $440,000 lobbying the federal government on issues including defense partnerships, AI research, and campus hazing legislation. The spending, disclosed in quarterly reports, reflected an increase from previous years and involved the use of two in-house lobbyists to advise federal lawmakers on a range of higher education topics.

Facing political pressure from state officials and lawmakers who call for defunding over its ties to the Kinsey Institute, Indiana University has maintained that it complies with state law through extensive auditing and transparent practices. The university’s response underscores its commitment to academic freedom and financial integrity in the midst of politically motivated allegations.

In response to state lawmakers’ proposals to cut funding to the Kinsey Institute, Indiana University – supported by local lawmakers including Sen. Shelli Yoder and Rep. Matt Pierce – defended its commitment to academic freedom and compliance with legal funding protocols. The university clarified that the Kinsey Institute operates independently and does not receive state funding, countering attempts by political actors to undermine its work and the broader mission of higher education.

An OpenSecrets profile reports that Indiana University reported political contributions totaling $826,441 and lobbying expenditures amounting to $310,000 during the 2024 cycle. This data reflects the institution’s engagement in activities that can influence political decision‐making.

The Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition is organizing a rally on September 28 at Sample Gates to demand a living wage and union recognition. Graduate workers are protesting current stipends of $22,000 which fall short of calculated living wage levels, highlighting concerns over precarious employment conditions at Indiana University.

Graduate student workers at Indiana University in Bloomington have initiated a week-long strike to demand union recognition, protesting the university's refusal to acknowledge their union despite previous concessions such as a modest raise.

Indiana University spent $410,000 on lobbying in 2023, according to OpenSecrets. The report indicates that the public research institution is actively engaging in political advocacy through significant lobbying expenditures.

Indiana University trustees rejected a faculty vote in support of unionizing graduate assistants and warned of potential consequences for unionizing efforts, signaling a setback for worker rights at the institution.