Try GOLD - Free
Indiana University fires student newspaper advisor
Los Angeles Times
|October 20, 2025
Tension between Indiana University and its student newspaper has flared with the elimination of the outlet's print editions and the firing of a faculty advisor who refused an order to keep news stories out of a homecoming edition.

THE ADVISOR refused to omit news from an edition. Above, a campus entrance.
(Darron Cummings Associated Press)
Administrators may have been hoping to minimize distractions during its homecoming weekend as the school prepared to celebrate a Hoosiers football team with its highest-ever national ranking. Instead, the controversy has entangled the school in questions about censorship and student journalists’ Ist Amendment rights.
Advocates for student media, Indiana Daily Student alumni and high-profile supporters including billionaire Mark Cuban have excoriated the university for stepping on the outlet’s independence.
The Daily Student is routinely honored among the best collegiate publications in the country. It receives about $250,000 annually in subsidies from the university’s Media School to help make up for dwindling ad revenue.
Last week, the university fired the paper’s advisor, Jim Rodenbush, after he refused an order to force student editors to ensure that no news stories ran in the print edition tied to the homecoming celebrations.
“I had to make the decision that was going to allow me to live with myself,” Rodenbush said. “I don’t have any regrets whatsoever. In the current environment we're in, somebody has to stand up.”
This story is from the October 20, 2025 edition of Los Angeles Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times
'Founding mother' of NPR was female pioneer in news
Stamberg helped the network get off the ground and hosted 'All Things Considered.'
2 mins
October 22, 2025
Los Angeles Times
Check-in to this hotel to check out the Series
If you crossed “see the Dodgers in the World Series” off your bucket list last year, here's a bucket list update for you: See the Dodgers in the World Series, from the comfort ofa hotel room with a full view of the field.
1 min
October 22, 2025
Los Angeles Times
Warner confirms it's now seeking a buyer
Move comes weeks after Paramount made an offer to acquire the entire company.
4 mins
October 22, 2025

Los Angeles Times
Revenue disparity not MLB’s problem
Dodgers ruining baseball might be perception, but owners need to find the solution
5 mins
October 22, 2025
Los Angeles Times
California recognizes the giant garter as state snake
[Snake, from Bt] Wildlife Service.
2 mins
October 22, 2025

Los Angeles Times
Plays consider AI replacements for loved ones
'Anthropology' and 'Marjorie Prime' explore technology and our humanity.
7 mins
October 22, 2025
Los Angeles Times
LAX-bound flight diverted after false alarm
A flight bound for Los Angeles International Airport on Monday evening was diverted after a communication issue resulted in the pilots thinking people were trying to breach the cockpit, officials said.
1 min
October 22, 2025

Los Angeles Times
Opposition to GOP redistricting bid
Democrats in North Carolina rally against Republican push for another House seat.
2 mins
October 22, 2025
Los Angeles Times
Months after fire, Malibu is suffering an identity crisis
Locals leave. Home values decline. Rebuilding might take more than a decade.
7 mins
October 22, 2025

Los Angeles Times
Despite infighting, Democrats can still unite around a common goal
Some in the party are flirting with socialism. Others are sparring over Israel. But there's one thing they all agree on.
3 mins
October 22, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size