After nearly five decades of serving African-American students in Indiana, it looks like Martin University may be closing down for good. Currently standing as Indiana’s only predominately Black institution (PBI), this crisis is sure to have far-reaching effects on the most underserved and overlooked students.
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Martin University — a private, non-profit school located in Indianapolis — was founded in 1977 specifically for the purpose of serving low-income, minority, and adult learners, providing an inclusive, supportive, and healthy collegiate environment. This is all thanks to Black priest, Reverend Father Boniface Hardin, O.S.B., who had a goal to change lives through education.
Fast forward till today, and the institution is facing more challenges than ever. According to Complex, after a pause on operations, the school’s board of trustees formally voted to close the University’s doors for good, citing financial struggles and a lack of resources to help keep the institution afloat.
“At the same time, declining enrollment, increasing costs and accumulated debt left the university without sufficient operating cash to function as an institution of higher learning,” Martin University Trustees told Indianapolis Recorder.
“Following the decision to pause operations, the Higher Learning Commission directed the university to cease operations. Combined with the lack of sufficient operating revenue, Martin has had no choice but to move toward closure.”
But this didn’t happen overnight. Amid rampant DEI rollbacks, Indiana Governor Mike Braun, a Republican, conveniently left Martin University out of his proposed 2025-27 funding budget, per Inside Higher Ed, stripping the institution from its $5 million cash influx. State representative, Gregory Porter — a Democrat — was shocked and “highly disappointed” by his decision. “I won’t mince my words… It’s racist,” Porter stated.
Another Indiana Democrat in the district, Congressman André Carson, also expressed concerns of the budget cut, calling the move out for rejecting what’s best for students in favor of “inaccurate” and “partisan” talking points.
Meanwhile, Martin University is committed to winding down operations “with dignity, transparency, and compassion,” while continuing to advocate for their students.
“The closing of our doors does not erase the impact of this institution, nor the community that built it. We remain grateful, humbled and committed to seeing this final chapter handled with the same purpose and integrity that defined Martin University from the beginning,” Martin University Trustees concluded.
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