United Methodists in Indiana have officially backed UMC-related DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., for its continued support of diversity and inclusion in the face of a threat from the state’s attorney general to strip its nonprofit status unless it complies with the Trump administration’s anti-diversity goal.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has warned two private liberal arts universities, DePauw and Butler, that he may “take legal action that could complicate their nonprofit tax-exempt status if he finds their diversity, equity and inclusion policies could violate state and federal law,” according to a June 5 report by Cate Charron of the Indianapolis Star.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita
In response, the Indiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church voted June 7 to approve a motion by retired seminary president Phil Amerson “to reaffirm our commitment to living out our denominational Social Principles by ending systemic racism.”
“We aspire to extend our support for institutions of higher education facing governmental threats,” Amerson was quoted in a conference wrap-up report. “Attacks from state officials have been attacks on institutions of higher education. … It’s important that we stand with all the institutions of higher education, especially our United Methodist ones. We will continue to struggle against the systemic racism that pervades our nation and state.”
Amerson has been president of two UMC-related seminaries, Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, Calif., and Garrett-Evangelical Theology Seminary in Evanston, Ill. An Indiana native and son of a Methodist pastor, he recently began a podcast, “Be and Do,” a production of the Belonging Exchange, a ministry described as “dedicated to fostering a sense of community and belonging.”
His motion drew support from others, reported the conference website:
- “I’ve seen firsthand the impact of the actions of state representatives for incoming freshmen of color,” Laura Curry said.
- “I’ve been under attack and at risk by teaching such controversial topics. I’d love it if The United Methodist Church would make a strong statement against the DEI and anti-LGBTQ legislation,” said Alisa Clapp-Itnyre.
The Indiana attorney general’s letters, sent May 28, argued the two institutions’ DEI-friendly policies could constitute racial discrimination and violate Civil Rights laws, said the IndyStar report. Unlike colleges that have capitulated to anti-diversity coercion from the Trump administration, both universities still list DEI as priorities in their strategic plans. The IndyStar said the colleges have until June 27 to respond to the state attorney general’s letter. However, the Internal Revenue Service would still need to investigate and decide whether to revoke a school’s tax-exempt status, Charron wrote.
The Indiana Conference vote was the second time this year United Methodists have stood up to government attempts to interfere with higher education institutions that differ from the anti-diversity policies enacted by President Donald Trump via executive order.
In April, 18 presidents of United Methodist-related colleges and universities signed a statement from the American Association of Colleges and Universities pledging noncooperation with the Trump administration’s intrusions into higher education. The AACU statement is, “A Call for Constructive Engagement.”
The United Methodist Church maintains ties to 109 U.S colleges and universities. The denomination’s tradition of supporting higher education harks back to the work of Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, an Oxford University “don” (lecturer) who along with his brother Charles sought to “unite the pair so long disjoined, knowledge and vital piety.”
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