Civics-focused students face uncertain future episode artwork

EPISODE · May 9, 2025 · 53 MIN

Civics-focused students face uncertain future

from Noon Edition · host Indiana Public Media

Federal and state support for higher education and university policies has come under attack during the second Trump Administration. And for Indiana University students who are participating in the Civic Leaders program, the political landscape is much different now from when they entered college. Watch: How Trump’s college crackdown is raising concerns about academic freedom | PBS News HourUniversities and research institutions have had their funding cut or threatened and what is being taught and who is being enrolled have come under scrutiny.At IU, the state barred the university from providing any state funds to support the prestigious Kinsey Institute, which researches sexual behavior.Even how members of IU’s Board of Trustees are selected has changed during their time in college. Previously, three of the nine trustees were selected by alumni voting and six were chosen by the governor.Now, because of an amendment to the state budget, the governor has been given control of all nine seats. The ACLU of Indiana has sued to block the takeover of the board, but IU has already canceled an election next month to fill a vacated seat. It’s among a number of lawsuits that have been brought against the state and federal governments this year. Most have been against the Trump executive orders or actions by DOGE, which have affected long-standing departments and agencies. Read more: New lawsuit argues Trump and DOGE's government overhaul is unconstitutional On this week’s Noon Edition, we’ll discuss how the political and economic landscape has shifted and how college students are planning to tackle an uncertain future. Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to [email protected].  You can also record your questions and send them in through email.   Guests Joshua Brinkman, a senior from Carmel studying Law and Public Policy through O'Neill SPEA Paola Vega Yudico, a third-year student in the Kelley School of Business Sophia Grace Hottois, a former White House Intern and Career Services Peer Educator at the O’Neill School  

Federal and state support for higher education and university policies has come under attack during the second Trump Administration.  And for Indiana University students who are participating in the Civic Leaders program, the political landscape is much different now from when they entered college.  Watch: How Trump’s college crackdown is raising concerns about academic freedom | PBS News Hour Universities and research institutions have had their funding cut or threatened and what is being taught and who is being enrolled have come under scrutiny. At IU, the state barred the university from providing any state funds to support the prestigious Kinsey Institute, which researches sexual behavior. Even how members of IU’s Board of Trustees are selected has changed during their time in college. Previously, three of the nine trustees were selected by alumni voting and six were chosen by the governor. Now, because of an amendment to the state budget, the governor has been given control of all nine seats. The ACLU of Indiana has sued to block the takeover of the board, but IU has already canceled an election next month to fill a vacated seat.  It’s among a number of lawsuits that have been brought against the state and federal governments this year. Most have been against the Trump executive orders or actions by DOGE, which have affected long-standing departments and agencies.  Read more: New lawsuit argues Trump and DOGE's government overhaul is unconstitutional  On this week’s Noon Edition, we’ll discuss how the political and economic landscape has shifted and how college students are planning to tackle an uncertain future.  Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to [email protected].   You can also record your questions and send them in through email.   Guests  Joshua Brinkman, a senior from Carmel studying Law and Public Policy through O'Neill SPEA  Paola Vega Yudico, a third-year student in the Kelley School of Business  Sophia Grace Hottois, a former White House Intern and Career Services Peer Educator at the O’Neill School

NOW PLAYING

Civics-focused students face uncertain future

0:00 53:38

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Noon Edition?

This episode is 53 minutes long.

When was this Noon Edition episode published?

This episode was published on May 9, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Federal and state support for higher education and university policies has come under attack during the second Trump Administration. And for Indiana University students who are participating in the Civic Leaders program, the political landscape is...

Can I download this Noon Edition episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!