Indiana University Cuts Student Newspaper, Student Media Director Fired For Pushing Back

By: Amanda Farlow

Indiana University fully cut the Indiana Daily Student’s newspaper this past Tuesday, shortly after firing their student media director. Their next publication was set to go out just days later. Previously, Indiana University had directed the IDS to stop printing news coverage in their newspaper, and to only print special editions. Students are outraged and see this as a violation of their First Amendment rights. 

The Dean of the Media School, David Tolchinsky, wrongfully terminated their student media director, Jim Rodenbush, after he refused to go along with the schools’ request to censor the student media outlet. In a letter sent to Rodenbush, the Dean was disrespectful and gave little explanation about his termination. Tolchinsky claimed that Rodenbush lacked “leadership”, and the “ability to work in alignment with the University’s direction for the Student Media Plan.” 

Then, after students reached out in an attempt to try and work out something with the school, Indiana University cut physical print entirely. Indiana Daily Student newsstands will be empty from now on, ending a tradition seen as part of school tradition. IDS will continue to publish online articles but no longer print physical copies of their iconic newspaper.  

The next edition of the IDS, scheduled to be part of its 158th year of continuous publication, now may be its last unless the university rescinds the decision.