IU Lecturer Loses Position Following Controversial ‘White Supremacy’ Classroom Lesson

An Indiana University social work lecturer whose classroom lesson linked aspects of modern political and social life to white supremacy will not return to the university after administrators declined to renew her appointment.

Jessica Adams, a lecturer in the Indiana University School of Social Work, learned that her current appointment will end June 30 following a months-long university investigation stemming from a student complaint about material presented in one of her classes.

The controversy began after Adams used a graphic commonly referred to as the “Pyramid of White Supremacy” during a class titled “Diversity, Human Rights and Social Justice.” The graphic identified both overt and covert forms of white supremacy and included examples such as police brutality,

microaggressions, redlining, celebration of Columbus Day, and the political slogan “Make America Great Again.”

A student filed a complaint under Indiana’s recently enacted intellectual diversity law, which requires public universities to foster free inquiry, free expression, and intellectual diversity in the classroom. The complaint was later brought to the attention of federal and university officials, prompting a formal review.

During the investigation, Adams was temporarily removed from teaching duties for approximately six weeks before being allowed to return under additional supervision and with requirements that classroom sessions be recorded. She was later placed on a performance improvement plan.

Adams has maintained that she was teaching material directly related to structural racism, a topic central to both the course and the social work profession. She has argued that discussion of white supremacy is unavoidable when examining racism in American society and has disputed claims that she was engaging in political advocacy.

Supporters of the lecturer, including faculty advocacy groups, contend the university’s decision threatens academic freedom and may discourage instructors from discussing controversial subjects. Critics, however, argue that publicly funded universities must ensure that classrooms present competing viewpoints and avoid political indoctrination.

The case represents one of the highest-profile tests thus far of Indiana’s intellectual diversity law, legislation enacted by the General Assembly to promote viewpoint diversity at the

state’s public colleges and universities.

The law permits students and employees to report alleged violations, with possible consequences ranging from disciplinary action to the denial of promotion, tenure, or contract renewal.

As Trump and the MAGA voters keep fixing the craziness of the progressive adage, the Adams case is likely to remain a closely watched example of how Indiana’s new law will be interpreted and enforced.