Indianapolis, IN
IU approves policy that will shutter pro-Palestinian camp at Indy campus
by Claire Rafford
The Indiana University board of trustees approved a new policy Monday that will effectively shut down a three-month pro-Palestinian encampment at IU Indianapolis.
In a news release, board of trustees Chair W. Quinn Buckner said arrests and chaos at an IU Bloomington pro-Palestinian protest in April led the board to update and standardize policies across all campuses.
“We can’t let one person or group’s expression infringe on the rights of others, disrupt learning experiences for our students or interrupt regular university business,” Buckner said in the release.
Members of the Indianapolis encampment say the policy is targeted at the pro-Palestinian student movement and will limit their freedom of speech.
Layth Abdulbari, a leader in the encampment and student at IUPUI, said though he is sad that the policy passed, he and the other members of the camp are looking into other ways to protest and build community. They are eventually planning to take legal action against the university.
“We’re really going to respond with action,” the 21-year-old said. “That’s going to be our primary response.”
Students have been camping out under the Kelley School of Business on IU Indianapolis’ campus since April 26 to protest Israel’s invasion of Gaza following the Hamas missile strike on Oct. 7. The students also are demanding that IU divest from Israel and the Crane naval base.
Abdulbari said that though the students plan to pack up the encampment in the next few days, they feel their presence did make a difference.
“The policy being made is an example and a testament to us being heard, because they refuse to listen, but they hear us,” he said. “There’s something to say about that.”
Organized by the Palestinian Solidarity Committee at IUPUI, the encampment is one of the few remaining in the country after pro-Palestinian protests swept college campuses across the country this spring.
What’s in the new policy?
The new policy will ban all camping, no matter the time of day, unless it is part of a university-approved event. It also prohibits protest activity from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. A draft of the policy released in June only banned overnight camping.
The policy also bars demonstrations within 25 feet of building entrances, requires that temporary structures such as tents be approved 10 days in advance, mandates pre-approval for hanging signs and symbols on university-owned property, including lampposts, and prohibits amplified noise that “materially and substantially” disrupts university life.
The newly-approved protocol also includes limits on where and how students can write messages. Students can still draw with washable chalk on sidewalks, but cannot display messages on other university buildings, lampposts or walls; or write with permanent or semipermanent substances on any university property.
The new policy will take effect Aug. 1.
SAN FRANCISCO (WISH) — Just like every Super Bowl, everybody has an opinion on who is going to win the biggest game in sports.
Celebrities and members of the media on Radio Row weighed in on who they think is going to win the matchup between the Patriots and the Seahawks.
Former NFL quarterback and NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky – Seahawks
“Seattle. Seattle and the Rams were the two best football teams for me over the past three plus months. I truly felt whoever won the NFC was going to be the Super Bowl champion.”
NFL Network host Kyle Brandt – Patriots
“Well, everybody loves the Seahawks, which makes me kind of like the Patriots. There’s one thing I don’t want to do right now and I don’t want to bet against Mike Vrabel. I know they don’t have the same personnel. I don’t have the same eye test or tape. I’m starting to get a little twitch in my finger about the Patriots.”
Former NFL linebacker and NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho – Seahawks
“All strategy, logic, and film points to the Seahawks. Seahawks got more dudes. At the end of the day, players make plays. And Seahawks got more players. Patriots are tough, well-coached. They got dudes too, Milton Williams, Christian Gonzalez, but they just ain’t got enough bullets in the chamber.”
Actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key – Seahawks
“Seattle. The defense is going to take over. Just what the deal is, left side of the Patriots line, little compromise, defense is going to get through. They’re going to get to Drake May at least twice.”
Former NFL linebacker and NFL analyst Manti Te’o – Seahawks
“I think when I look at both of these teams, the Seattle Seahawks are the more dominant defense. It’s going to come down to the defense. If I had to make a choice, I’d have to lean a little bit towards Seattle because of that defense.”
Former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck – Seahawks
“I’m absolutely hoping for and planning for a parade in Seattle after the game. But if not, I live in Boston. So I mean, there’s a parade there too. But you know who I’m rooting for.”
Kickoff for the Patriots and Seahawks matchup in The Big Game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said it’s conducting an internal review after a video showing an officer threatening to kill a 17-year-old Black driver was posted on social media.
Trevion Taylor, 17, was driving away from an anti-ICE protest near Warren Central High School on the east side Feb. 6 when he noticed a police car following him, his mother, Ambar Taylor, told IndyStar in an interview. Trevion graduated early but went to join some friends who were participating, she said.
He was pulled over at a gas station near the intersection of 21st Street and Mitthoeffer Road, less than half a mile from the school.
His phone, placed on the dashboard, captures an officer telling the driver: “We’re gonna get you out here. So when you get out, I’m gonna pull you out, I want you to put your hands on top of the car, OK?”
“Why am I getting out for?” Trevion asks.
“The car smells like weed. Step out of the car,” the officer responds.
As officers on both sides of the car and Trevion’s passengers all speak, Trevion looks back and forth. The driver’s door opens and an officer grabs Trevion’s wrist and pulls him out.
“Yo, what?” Trevion asks.
“I will f—ing kill you. Do you understand me?” the officer says.
Ambar Taylor posted the video on Facebook, accusing Indianapolis police of racial profiling.
“He’s a young Black man. You’ve seen the news 100 times,” she said. “My son will not be a victim.”
IMPD says officer stopped car because of gun
Officers were monitoring the protest — one of many anti-ICE students walkouts held across Indianapolis and the nation — because it received information that students might have guns there, IMPD said in a statement posted late Feb. 6.
They pulled over Trevion’s car after seeing a juvenile get in it with a gun, according to the statement. Specifically, officers stopped the car at 2:28 p.m. Feb. 6 after Trevion failed to signal during a lane change, according to a police report, which said the passengers were two 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old.
Under Indiana law, a person under 18 may not carry a loaded firearm outside of certain exceptions including hunting, practicing at a firing range under adult supervision or on a private property with their guardian’s permission. Minors who knowingly possess a loaded firearm for any other purpose can be charged with a misdemeanor.
The officer’s handling of the Feb. 6 situation is under review, according to the IMPD statement.
“While the video does not show the entire incident, some of the language heard does not reflect the standards or values of IMPD,” it says. “Accountability is essential to building trust and legitimacy with our community. The involved officer was equipped with a body-worn camera, which recorded the incident. An internal review is underway to determine the full circumstances of the encounter, including the statements captured on video.”
On Feb. 7, Rick Snyder, president of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, weighed in with a statement that called the video “incomplete” and said the officers’ tactics were reasonable. He noted they made sure the teens’ vehicle was separated from protesters during the traffic stop.
Calling the blunt language a normal reaction to such a situation, he said the organization welcomed a full review that explained how a juvenile came to possess a firearm.
“While it’s jarring to hear without the complete set of facts and context of the interaction (including the threats faced by the officers during the intervention); it becomes more understandable once recognizing the need for immediate compliance along with a direct verbal warning in lieu of use of force,” the statement read.
“Often our officers are placed in impossible situations. One of the ‘standards and values’ of IMPD is preservation of life. That also includes the lives of our officers when faced with armed juveniles in volatile situations.”
One passenger arrested
After Trevion is pulled from the car, he says: “Bro, what the f—? You’re gonna kill me if I …”
“He’s f—ing reaching – reaching for a gun, that’s why,” the officer responds.
The officer tells him not to move his hands.
“Yes, sir. Yes, sir,” Trevion says.
He can be seen through the back driver’s side window being led away in handcuffs. Two other teens exit the back seat with their hands up.
Three of the car’s four occupants return after more than 10 minutes. The one who did not return had a gun and was taken into custody, according to police.
Trevion was not charged or given a ticket. His mother said she is filing a complaint with IMPD over her son’s treatment.
“These are kids, and if you can’t de-escalate a situation with kids without going to those words first, you shouldn’t be a police officer,” Ambar Taylor said.
Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com.
IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni contributed to this report.
The Madam Walker Legacy Center (MWLC) officially “broke sky” on its rooftop renovations.
Community members gathered at the MWLC on Feb. 4 alongside city officials and philanthropic, higher education and tourism partners to celebrate the “sky breaking” of the institution’s rooftop expansion. The renovations, outlined as a key objective in the Center’s 2023-2027 strategic plan, are scheduled to open in spring 2026, facilitating cultural events.
“As we approach our centennial anniversary next year, this sky-breaking represents the Walker’s latest step of a tenacious journey, one grounded in preserving the history that the center was paved on, while elevating the offerings and experiences brought to our community and its visitors,” Kristian Stricklen, president and CEO of the MWLC said.
READ MORE: Steward Speakers kicks off 2026 with Erika Alexander, Soledad O’Brien
The “sky breaking” ceremony follows the establishment of an $8 million endowment set to provide long-term support for the MWLC’s core operations, historic preservation, cultural programming and strategic initiatives, Stricklen said.
MWLC Board Chair Nichole Wilson remembers when the building was “not in its best day,” and said seeing the transformation in the last 11 years she’s been on the board has been incredible.
“It’s phenomenal to know that it’s sustainable,” Wilson said, “to know that we have an endowment now, and for us to be able to expand our venue space and have something as attractive as a rooftop and set us on the map to attract more business to the city and more opportunities for people to gather.”
Wilson said the idea to expand the MWLC’s reach by incorporating a rooftop venue was generated during one of the institution’s board meetings.
“It was during a time when rooftop spaces were on the rise in the community and very popular with rooftop parties,” Wilson said. “Knowing that we have the iconic sign on top of the building, we started the investigative process to see, ‘Was the building in such a shape? Or could it be in a shape where we could have a rooftop?”
After working with architects and inspectors who investigated the building’s structure, Wilson said it was determined that the MWLC was a good candidate for renovating the rooftop into a venue that would be usable and rentable, adding to the sustainability of the Walker Center.
This rooftop venue can host events for up to 50 people. There is a version of the roof that holds more, but Wilson said the MWLC would have to fundraise a little more for that in the future. In the meantime, the newly renovated rooftop will accommodate private receptions and intimate gatherings for local celebrities and guests, concerts and private events when different conferences come into town.
While the Walker Center’s theater and ballroom are sought-after destinations for events, Wilson said a rooftop celebration would be a great way for Hoosiers to open their events to the city.
Visitors tend to seek out “authentic, iconic spaces” in the cities they travel to, Chris Gahl, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Visit Indy, said. The MWLC’s ability to continue growing through this expansion is “critically important for our city,” and it benefits Indianapolis’ ability to drive more visitors to the city.
“It’s such a historic, iconic symbol in the city skyline, and for it to not only be protected but celebrated and grow will help us grow tourism,” Gahl said. “It’s historically relevant, the art and culture inside is sought after by our visitors, and so this is a space that we have long leaned on to help drive tourism.”
Mayor Joe Hogsett agreed with this sentiment, stating the MWLC stands as a monument to the resilience of the neighbors, creatives and business owners who once called Indiana Avenue home. As Hoosiers celebrate institutions like the Walker Center during Black History Month, it’s important to remember the building is more than just a landmark, Hogsett said.
Indiana Avenue plays a critical role in celebrating and protecting the history and cultural identity of our city, and Gahl said it is rewarding to know that from a tourism perspective, people all over the globe travel to Indianapolis, with the intention of stepping foot inside the Walker Center.
“Today’s sky breaking ceremony proves that Walker Legacy Center is the cultural touchstone of ours that remains just as relevant and just as preeminent as it ever was,” Hogsett added. “This new rooftop performance venue will add so much to our city’s thriving creative economy and the vibrancy of our downtown life. I do not exaggerate when I say that it is projects like this one that are cementing Indianapolis as a top global destination.”
The Madam Walker Legacy Center’s rooftop venue is scheduled to open on April 30 or May 1, 2026. For more information, visit madamwalkerlegacycenter.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor’s in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
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