Indiana University Adviser Files Lawsuit Claiming First Amendment Violation After Firing

Jim Rodenbush, the faculty adviser for Indiana University's student newspaper, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that his First and 14th Amendment rights were violated when he was fired for refusing to censor news stories in the paper's homecoming print edition. The university claimed Rodenbush was dismissed due to "lack of leadership" and not aligning with the university's Student Media Plan, while Rodenbush and his attorney argue the firing was a direct assault on free speech and press freedom. The dispute arose as the university decided to reduce the print frequency of the Indiana Daily Student and initially stopped its print editions, leading to accusations of censorship. Following backlash, Chancellor David Reingold reversed the print suspension, allowing the paper to use its printing budget through June 2026, and acknowledged the university mishandled the situation, clarifying that the decision was not about editorial content but financial realities. Rodenbush seeks reinstatement and monetary damages, with his lawyer emphasizing the case is about affirming the importance of First Amendment rights in university settings. The situation spotlights tensions between student media independence and university administration control.