(MDIA 110) "Trans People Belong Here:" Ball State University Professor Leo Caldwell Speaks Out on LGBTQ+ Event Cancellations, Preemptive Compliance

(MDIA 110) Idaho Teacher Told to Remove "Everyone Is Welcome Here" Sign: The Policies in Indianapolis, Muncie, and Beyond

Vivian Bostick reports on the request for Idaho teacher Sarah Inama to take down two signs before next school year, one sign reading "Everyone Is Welcome Here," the press response Bostick received from Niki Scheppers, the Chief of Staff and Communications for West Ada School District, and some of the voices heard from the April 14th board meeting. Back in Indiana, Bostick speaks with Andy Klotz, Chief Communications Officer for Muncie Community Schools (MCS), Randy Hudgins, a US History teacher at Warren Central, part of MSD Warren Township, and an anonymous middle school teacher near the Evansville region, which (as of the time of publication) don't have policies restricting teacher signage like West Ada's...all condensed to under 20 minutes of coverage. To read West Ada's policy, 401.20, click here [https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Policy/ViewPolicy.aspx?S=36031062&revid=tKviTsgesOk17lr3FXsBUA==&ptid=muNUlKiR2jsXcslsh28JpBkiw==&secid=LYgdPR898T7woOWPSslsh6i9g==&PG=6&IRP=0&isPndg=false]. The soundbites from the board meeting were from a public livestream, used pursuant to Fair Use law on the basis of news reporting. LEGAL DISCLOSURE: This episode of Tell Viv is an assignment for MDIA 110. Neither MDIA 110 nor Ball State University as an institution sponsor, endorse, promote, or influence the content or creative freedom of the show.

(MDIA 110) "Trans People Belong Here:" Ball State University Professor Leo Caldwell Speaks Out on LGBTQ+ Event Cancellations, Preemptive Compliance

Vivian Bostick speaks with Ball State University Professor Leo Caldwell about the university’s decision to verbally cancel his planned events for Trans Day of Visibility and pause the LGBTQ 101 staff professional development training. Bostick attempted to reach President Mearns' office, but received no response. Becca Rice, Ball State’s Vice President for Governmental Relations and Industry Engagement, responded to The Ball State Daily [https://www.ballstatedaily.com/article/2025/02/ball-state-takes-preemptive-measures-in-response-to-anti-dei-legislation-canceling-lgbtq-events] that "State funding is important to the success of Ball State. About 40 percent of the university’s operating budget, as well as building restoration costs and capital projects, come from the General Assembly." DISCLAIMER: An original version (Episode 2) was previously released. It's the same as this episode, but it was only the first 10 minutes, which was the cutoff for MDIA 110. However, upon returning to campus, I've been informed that the time limit has been increased to a maximum of 20 minutes. As such, the original version has been removed, as to provide more information for listeners. LEGAL DISCLOSURE: This episode of Tell Viv is an assignment for MDIA 110. Neither MDIA 110 nor Ball State University as an institution sponsor, endorse, promote, or influence the content or creative freedom of the show.

Podcast Introduction

Vivian Bostick introduces Tell Viv, an investigative journalism podcast dedicated to uncovering the truth and amplifying voices in the Indianapolis and Muncie communities. Coming mid-March, Bostick speaks with Ball State professor Leo Caldwell speaks out on the university’s decision to pause and cancel LGBTQ+ events.