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Indianapolis teacher, ACLU file lawsuit to challenge new K-3 ban on ‘human sexuality’ education
A new Indiana law that critics say will effectively ban discussions about LGBTQ+ people in schools under the guise of blocking conversations around “human sexuality” now faces a legal challenge. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana Friday on behalf of a public […]
Indiana officials approve new “streamlined” K-12 education standards
Indiana’s State Board of Education is moving forward with a plan that “streamlines” K-12 education standards and makes it easier for teachers to craft individualized lesson plans. Board members approved the early stages of the policy rollout during a monthly meeting on Wednesday. Paramount to the plan is a 25% reduction of statewide standards compared […]
Judge grants class action certification for RFRA-based lawsuit against Indiana abortion ban
A lawsuit that seeks to strike down the state’s near-total abortion ban on the basis of Indiana’s controversial religious freedom law was certified Tuesday as a class action by a Marion County Superior Court judge. The legal challenge up for debate was filed in August by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana on […]
Whole Woman’s Health closes South Bend abortion clinic
Whole Woman’s Health Alliance has closed its South Bend clinic for good amid “politically driven and medically unnecessary abortion restrictions,” the nonprofit announced late Monday night. The clinic has not seen patients for several months and surrendered its license back to the Indiana Department of Health this week. The license was set to expire June […]
Rep. Jim Lucas drove on rims for miles after alleged drunk driving crash, per Indiana police report
Republican state Rep. Jim Lucas drove nearly three miles away from a crash scene — with three busted tires — after he allegedly struck a guardrail and drove the wrong way on an interstate entrance ramp last week, according to a new police report. Lucas, R-Seymour, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail […]
Most eligible Indiana schools hesitant to sign up for federal free meal program, per new report
The lion’s share of Hoosier schools that qualify for a federal free meal service program don’t take advantage of it, according to a new national report. Across the country, 6,419 school districts — 67.5 percent of those eligible — adopted the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) in one or more schools for […]
Here’s what to expect from likely appeals in the licensing litigation against local OB-GYN
A lengthy appeals process could play out following a state regulatory decision last week to sanction an Indianapolis OB-GYN in a divisive abortion case. The Indiana Medical Licensing Board ruled that Dr. Caitlin Bernard violated state and federal patient privacy laws when she publicly discussed a 10-year-old rape victim seeking an abortion in Indiana. But […]
Rep. Jim Lucas jailed on OWI, leaving scene after crash in Jackson County
Republican state Rep. Jim Lucas was arrested and held in the Jackson County Jail Wednesday morning after police said he drove while intoxicated and left the scene of a crash. Lucas crashed his vehicle on Interstate 65, just north of Seymour, around midnight, an Indiana State Police spokesperson told the Indiana Capital Chronicle. Police said […]
Advisory opinion calls on Indiana officials, private attorneys to avoid conflicts of interest
In a recent advisory opinion, the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission doubled down on expectations that public officials and government lawyers avoid potential conflicts when moving between public and private service, or when moving from one government agency to another. Up for interpretation is Indiana Professional Conduct Rules as they apply to former government employees […]
Indiana Medical Licensing Board rules Bernard violated patient privacy laws
The Indiana Medical Licensing Board ruled Thursday that Indianapolis OB-GYN Dr. Caitlin Bernard violated state and federal patient privacy laws when she publicly discussed a 10-year-old rape victim seeking an abortion in Indiana. The licensing board deemed Bernard did not improperly report child abuse, however, and is fit to practice medicine. Ultimately she was given […]
New pre-admission program seeks to get more Hoosiers into colleges statewide
A new statewide program seeks to put more Hoosiers on track for college — and get them earlier admission decisions. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) outlined its “Indiana Pre-Admissions: Your Path to College” initiative last week, indicating that rising high school seniors — the 2024 graduating class — will be the first to participate. […]
Indiana higher ed commission lays out early plans for university funding, new career programs
Indiana’s Commission for Higher Education (CHE) on Thursday outlined its plans for big changes to Indiana’s education landscape — some of which take effect in just a few weeks. The goal is to increase the number of Hoosiers with post-high school credentials and boost the state’s dismal college-going rate. State lawmakers put the commission on […]