Professors Pressed to Show Harm From Ideological Diversity Rule

Seventh Circuit judges wrestled Thursday with whether the time is right for a group of Indiana professors to challenge policies requiring them to foster “intellectual diversity” and teach a range of ideological viewpoints.

“Until the worst comes to pass, why are we litigating?” said Judge Frank Easterbrook, a Reagan appointee, noting that the professors hadn’t had their tenure or pay affected. If they had, he said, “that would plainly give plaintiffs standing. But it hasn’t happened.”

The professors sued saying the statute has forced them to alter the way they teach. Those who violate policies implemented in accordance with an ...