Indiana University fires student newspaper advisor who refused to censor content, faces backlash

Tensions are rising between Indiana University and its student newspaper, the Indiana Daily Student, after university administrators eliminated the paper’s print editions and dismissed its faculty adviser, who reportedly refused to comply with an order to restrict content ahead of homecoming weekend.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from advocates for student journalism, Daily Student alumni, and high-profile figures, including billionaire and IU graduate Mark Cuban, who accused the university of undermining press freedom on campus.

University leaders have not publicly detailed their reasoning, but the move came as IU prepares to host a high-profile homecoming celebration for its football team, which recently earned its highest national ranking in the program's history. Some faculty members and students reportedly suspect the timing was intended to limit potentially critical coverage during the weekend’s events.

The controversy focuses on adviser Jim Rodenbush, who said he was terminated Tuesday after he declined to follow an administrative directive that would have required student editors to remove news content from the homecoming print edition.

“I had to make the decision that was going to allow me to live with myself,” Rodenbush said in a statement. “I don’t have any regrets whatsoever. In the current environment we’re in, somebody has to stand up.”