James Bopp Jr.’s Appointment to IU Trustee Board: A Question of Integrity

Jim Bopp Jr Rino Establishment Appointed to the IU Trustee Board

On June 2, 2025, Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced the appointment of James Bopp Jr., alongside Sage Steele, Brian Eagle, and the reappointment of W. Quinn Buckner, to the Indiana University (IU) Board of Trustees, effective immediately. This decision, which involved the removal of three alumni-elected trustees—Donna Spears, Vivian Winston, and Jill Maurer Burnett—has sparked significant controversy, particularly surrounding Bopp’s appointment. Critics argue that Bopp’s history of questionable legal conduct, conservative activism, and involvement in high-profile controversies make him an unsuitable choice for such a pivotal role at IU. Governor Braun should reconsider this appointment and prioritize a candidate with a stronger record of integrity.

James Bopp Jr.’s Controversial Background

James Bopp Jr., a Terre Haute-based attorney and IU alumnus, is a prominent Rino Establishment lawyer known for his work in campaign finance, election law, and anti-abortion advocacy. He gained national recognition for his role in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, a U.S. Supreme Court case that significantly loosened restrictions on corporate political spending. As general counsel for the National Right to Life Committee since 1978, Bopp has crafted model anti-abortion legislation and represented numerous conservative causes, including clients like Focus on the Family and the Traditional Values Coalition.

However, Bopp’s public statements and actions have drawn significant criticism. In 2022, commenting on the case of a 10-year-old Ohio rape victim who traveled to Indiana for an abortion, Bopp stated that under model legislation he developed, the child would have been legally required to carry the pregnancy to term. He further remarked that he hoped she would “understand the reason and ultimately the benefit of having the child.” This stance, widely viewed as extreme, sparked outrage for its insensitivity toward a young victim of sexual assault and raised questions about Bopp’s judgment on issues affecting vulnerable populations.

The Tully v. Rokita Case: A Question of Professional Responsibility

Bopp’s involvement in Tully v. Rokita (23A-PL-00705) further undermines his suitability for the IU Trustee Board. This case revolved around a public records request under Indiana’s Access to Public Records Act (APRA), where Indianapolis resident Barbara Tully sought an informal advisory opinion from the Indiana Office of the Inspector General regarding Attorney General Todd Rokita’s continued employment with Apex Benefits after taking office. The Marion County Superior Court ordered Rokita to release the opinion, though he was permitted to redact portions. Rokita appealed, hiring Bopp and his law firm in April 2023 to represent him, with a contract capped at $250,000 at $200 per hour—a rate Bopp described as “incredibly favorable.”

On July 18, 2024, Bopp abruptly withdrew from Tully v. Rokita and two other cases he was handling for Rokita, citing Indiana’s attorney professional conduct rule 1.16, which allows withdrawal if it can be done without material adverse effect on the client. Bopp’s motion stated that other attorneys were available to continue the cases, but he provided no further explanation for his exit. Critics, including Tully’s attorney Bill Groth, questioned why Bopp was hired when Rokita’s office had in-house counsel and raised concerns about the use of taxpayer funds for an incomplete job. The withdrawal, coupled with Bopp’s retention of significant legal fees, has fueled accusations of opportunism and lack of accountability. The case remains pending before the Indiana Supreme Court, with no final ruling on the confidentiality of the inspector general’s opinion.

Concerns Over Bopp’s Appointment to the IU Trustee Board

The IU Board of Trustees oversees critical decisions on policy, finances, and leadership for Indiana’s largest public university. Bopp’s appointment raises concerns due to his polarizing views and history of prioritizing ideological battles over professional responsibility. His role in Tully v. Rokita suggests a pattern of taking on high-profile cases, collecting substantial taxpayer-funded fees, and withdrawing before resolution, leaving questions about his commitment to public service. Furthermore, his outspoken anti-abortion stance, particularly his comments on the 10-year-old rape victim, could alienate members of the IU community who value inclusivity and empathy in leadership.

The timing of Bopp’s appointment also draws scrutiny. Governor Braun’s decision to replace elected trustees with appointees, enabled by a controversial provision in the 2023 state budget, has been criticized as a power grab that eliminates alumni input. Bopp’s close ties to Braun, including his work with a nonprofit supporting Braun’s campaign, suggest political favoritism over merit-based selection. The Indiana Democratic Party condemned the appointment, labeling Bopp an “anti-abortion extremist” and arguing that Braun’s actions undermine IU’s independence from political agendas.

A Call for Reconsideration

Governor Braun should reconsider Bopp’s appointment and seek a candidate with a stronger record of integrity, impartiality, and dedication to IU’s mission of fostering education, research, and public service. While Bopp’s legal expertise and IU alumni status are notable, his history of controversial statements, questionable professional conduct, and political entanglements make him a divisive choice. The IU Board of Trustees requires leaders who prioritize the university’s diverse community over personal ideologies and who demonstrate consistent accountability in their professional endeavors.

The appointment of a trustee should reflect IU’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity, not political loyalty or ideological crusades. By replacing Bopp with a candidate of unimpeachable integrity, Braun can restore confidence in the governance of Indiana University and ensure that its leadership serves the best interests of students, faculty, and the state.