ACLU of Indiana sues Indiana State University for barring Pride Fest on campus grounds

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana is suing Indiana State University (ISU) for preventing Pride Fest 2025 from taking place on campus. The ACLU of Indiana filed a suit in the U.S. District Court on Feb. 11 on behalf of The Pride Center of Terre Haute. The complaint alleges ISU is violating The Pride Center’s first amendment right by barring their annual pride festival from taking place on campus in August. “ISU’s failure to provide Pride Fest an on-campus location is directly related to the message of inclusivity, equality and support conveyed by all Pride festivals,” Ken Falk, legal director of the ACLU of Indiana, said in a statement. “It is clear that the university is censoring Pride Fest because of its support of the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride Center has a First Amendment right to hold their festival in the Indiana State University Quad — a space explicitly designated as a place for free expression.” READ MORE: Black historical romance novelist featured in Lilly Library The Pride Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to positively impacting LGBTQ+ individuals in and around Vigo County. The organization previously held its Pride Fest on ISU campus in 2023 and 2024...