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ACLU Will Fight Gender-Affirming Care Ban

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Just hours after Gov. Eric Holcomb’s signed Senate Bill 480, which bans gender-affirming health care for transgender children, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Indiana filed a lawsuit on behalf of four transgender children and their families.

The suit names as defendants the members of the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, the executive director of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Attorney General Todd Rokita, and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and its secretary. 

It was filed in Southern Indiana District Court and asserts that SB 480 will violate, in part, the U.S. Constitution and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. 

The suit additionally claims that this law will violate the federal requirements of the Medicaid and Affordable Care Act because it will prohibit essential medical services that would otherwise be authorized and reimbursed by Medicaid.

The law will ban gender-affirming health care—including surgeries, puberty blockers and hormones—for transgender individuals under 18. Trans minors receiving care as of July 1, 2023, will lose access to that care after six months, and those who have not received medical care by July 1, 2023, will be unable to begin receiving it in Indiana. 

“This is a devastating development for transgender youth in Indiana and heartbreaking for all of us who love and support them,” said Jane Henegar, executive director of the Indiana ACLU in a statement. “Indiana politicians continue to fail trans youth, so it is up to each and every one of us to rise against their ignorance and surround these young people with strength, safety, and love.

She continued: “In addition to targeting an already vulnerable group, this law blatantly disregards the rights of parents and families to make decisions about their children’s health. The ACLU is dedicated to overturning this unconstitutional law and is confident the state will find itself completely incapable of defending it in court.” 

Meanwhile, Attorney General Todd Rokita indicated he will fight the ACLU’s attempt to overturn the law, tweeting, “Thankful for the General Assembly’s hard work to ensure our children are protected. This was common sense legislation, and my office is ready to defend it in court.” 

Two of the parent-plaintiffs, Beth and Nathanial Clawson, noted in an ACLU press release that their plaintiff daughter, currently 10, is fearful about what will happen to her if she cannot get gender-affirming medical care when puberty begins.

“Starting around the age of 2 years old, our daughter began telling us who she is. When she was 3 1/2 years old, after researching gender dysphoria and consulting with both her therapist and pediatrician, she socially transitioned,” said Beth Clawson.

“That means we started using she/her pronouns and letting her dress as a girl. That was seven years ago, and she hasn’t wavered at all in knowing who she is.” 

Last year, Holcomb vetoed a bill restricting trans children on sport teams, but the Assembly overrode it. Many wondered if he would follow suit with this bill after he called it “clear as mud” on Tuesday. He explained why he signed the bill in a statement on Wednesday: 

“Permanent gender-changing surgeries with lifelong impacts and medically prescribed preparation for such a transition should occur as an adult, not as a minor. There has and will continue to be debate within the medical community about the best ways to provide physical and mental health care for adolescents who are struggling with their own gender identity, and it is important that we recognize and understand those struggles are real. With all of that in mind, I have decided to sign SB 480 into law.”

The bill was authored by Sen. Tyler Johnson, R-Leo, who said the legislative body has a moral, medical and legal obligation to protect kids from harm. He also released a statement:

“I am very pleased to see Gov. Holcomb support my bill, which addresses the need to protect a group of vulnerable Hoosier children. We have the utmost compassion for children suffering with gender dysphoria and they deserve sensible counseling,” Johnson said.

“Gender related procedures on children are growing at an alarming rate in the United States while other countries are scaling back their use. Since these procedures have irreversible and life-altering effects, it is appropriate and necessary for our state to make sure these procedures are performed only on adults who can make the decision on their own behalf.”

Democrats had strenuously objected to the bill as it made its way through the General Assembly, including Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, who said doctors in Indiana do not perform gender-affirming care on trans minors. She pushed back on the notion this bill was about protecting youths.

“It’s a group of adult legislators bullying, harassing and discriminating against children and parents of these children,” she said. 

On March 27, when the bill passed the House, Rep. Blake Johnson, D-Indianapolis, said the bill sent a message about the Assembly’s values. 

“With Senate Bill 480, we are sending a signal to a very specific group of Hoosiers: young people who are among our most vulnerable, our most isolated, our most likely to suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts. We say to them not that we’re here for them but rather that there is, in fact, something wrong with them,” Johnson said.

Rep. Vernon G. Smith, D-Gary, spoke out in an op-ed published by The Statehouse File, saying that gender-affirming care could save a child’s life and that many doctors and health-care professionals assured legislators that no children in Indiana are receiving surgical or irreversible treatments. 

“Senate Bill 480 is state-sanctioned bullying, plain and simple, ” Smith said.

On Wednesday, Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, expressed his warning about Republican overreach. 

“Conservatives are leaning into the culture wars and putting politics over parents,” GiaQuinta said. “Let’s face it: no parent has it all figured out but the last thing they need is help from politicians. 

“Hoosiers value freedom, family and the opportunity to live life with minimal interference from the government. Indiana Republicans—supposedly the party of small government—have now given themselves the unilateral authority to dictate what health care choices parents are able to make for their children. This legislation or issue may not affect your family directly, but should be a warning to every Hoosier that, with the swipe of a pen, your liberties can be taken by the Indiana GOP.”

FOOTNOTE: According to the ACLU, the ban is opposed by the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association and American Academy of Pediatrics. 

FOP #73 SPONSORED EASTER EGG HUNT FOR CHILDREN WITH THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND

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 Fraternal Order of Police #73 Hosts Easter Egg Hunt for Children with Evansville Association For The Blind 

Evansville/Vanderburgh, IN – FOP #73 hosted an Easter egg hunt at the FOP #73 PAL Camp for children and their families with the Evansville Blind Association. The event was held on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023. 

To make the Easter egg hunt inclusive for those with visual impairments, members of FOP #73 assembled special beeping eggs that emitted a sound when activated. These eggs were strategically placed throughout the designated area for the hunt in the vicinity of other eggs filled with candy. 

FOP #73 is committed to giving back to organizations like Evansville Association For The Blind and fostering a spirit of partnership within the community. “We are honored to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the Evansville Association For The Blind and to provide a fun and inclusive event for the children and families who participated,” said FOP #73 President Aaron McCormick. 

The Easter egg hunt was a great success, with children and families enjoying the festivities and the opportunity to connect with others in the community. 

About FOP #73; FOP #73 is a Fraternal Order of Police in Evansville dedicated to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those we serve through the Evansville & Vanderburgh community engagement and advocacy. FOP #73 is committed to working with community organizations and fostering partnerships that promote the well-being of our community. 

Evansville Fire Chief to deliver USI Alumni in Residence lecture

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The University of Southern Indiana Bachelor of Professional Studies Program and the College of Liberal Arts are excited to welcome Evansville Fire Chief Mike Connelly as the presenter of the Alumni in Residence lecture. The event will take place at noon Wednesday, April 12 in Kleymeyer Hall, located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center. This event is open to the public at no charge.

Connelly has been with the Evansville Fire Department for 27 years and has served as Fire Chief since January of 2012.

“Mike Connelly is a great example of the success that many adult learners experience when they return to USI,” says Lee Ann Shafer, Bachelor of Professional Studies Program Advisor and event co-organizer. “He gained academic credit through prior learning as a firefighter, and he took a fresh approach to each class he completed for his degree.”

During the lecture, Connelly will discuss his career path to become Fire Chief and will share his experiences as a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Professional Studies program. This event is a unique opportunity for students, faculty, staff and the public to learn from his insights and experiences.

The Alumni in Residence program is designed to bring successful USI alumni back to campus to share their experiences and provide guidance to current students. The program highlights the diverse career paths of USI graduates and proves the value of a USI education.

Vincennes University Homeland Security students helping with local tornado cleanup

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SULLIVAN, Ind., April 6, 2023 – After an EF-3 tornado ripped less than a week ago through Sullivan County, Indiana, and took lives there, Vincennes University Homeland Security and Public Safety Program Chair and retired FBI agent Lou Caprino launched his drone to capture photography of the extensive damage. Those images were then shared with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for use in their early assessment.

Recalling the supportive role HSPS majors in helping New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina, Caprino quickly got to work on exploring how current students could come to the aid of a nearby community.

According to Caprino, “The students were on board immediately to step up for their fellow Hoosiers. They expressed a strong willingness to assist in the recovery operation in Sullivan. Vincennes University is proud of the young men and women in the Homeland Security program for their dedication to serving the community during times of crisis. Their education and training have prepared them to make a difference and provide assistance to those impacted by disaster.”

The National Weather Service reports the tornado crossed the Wabash River from Illinois and entered Sullivan County during severe weather Friday night. The tornado destroyed and damaged homes, structures, and vehicles as winds reached 165 miles per hour. Three individuals lost their lives.

VU students are putting in long hours and many days of volunteer work in Sullivan this week.

Wearing a hard hat and fluorescent safety vest, HSPS junior Eli Switzer was taken aback by what he saw. Although, his mood was hopeful.

“Through the adversity, you see a lot of people coming together,” said the Crawfordsville, Indiana, native. “Our entire Homeland program has come together to help these people we don’t even know. Even though it is sad now, it’s nice to see people that have never met each other and don’t have any occupation together come together.”

Under the direction of Sullivan County Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Pirtle, VU students are sorting and hauling debris, inventorying and securing any personal items, including furniture, electronics, photographs, and jewelry that is salvageable. They are also personally assisting residents who have returned to their destroyed homes by retrieving items needed by the homeowners.

Their involvement in the recovery process aligns with VU’s motto of “Learn in Order to Serve” and the curriculum taught in the Homeland Security and Public Safety program. The hands-on experience in Sullivan is integral to the HSPS students’ learning process, allowing them to gain real-world practice and integrate what they have learned into their future careers.

“The students are representing Vincennes University, their families, and themselves in a highly professional, sensitive, and caring manner,” Caprino said. “I am proud to have the opportunity to watch these future Homeland professionals at work. The students are enthusiastic and eager to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the disaster.”

The VU community is also supporting relief efforts in additional ways.

The VU Nursing Department is collecting items for the communities impacted. It is accepting non-perishable food items, sports drinks, feminine products, cleaning supplies, paper products, children’s clothing, baby formula, and diapers at the Center for Health Sciences, 27 W. Harrison St. on the Vincennes Campus.

USI Applied History Series to address Latin American refugee migrant crisis in the U.S.

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The University of Southern Indiana College of Liberal Arts and the USI History department invite individuals to join the conversation about the Latin American refugee migrant crisis in the United States and the role of historians acting as expert witnesses in asylum cases.

The event, “Theory to Praxis at a Moment of Human Crisis,” will take place at 4 p.m. April 10 via Zoom. The public can attend by visiting USI.edu/historyseries. Dr. Autumn Quezada-Grant will be the presenter, sharing her historical expertise in assisting with asylum cases and acting as a subject matter expert in removal proceedings.

Quezada-Grant is also a cultural competency expert and an external consultant with Protocol 67, supporting their Asylum and Convention Against Torture cases. She will provide insights into the challenges refugees and migrants face and the importance of historians’ role in supporting asylum cases.

This event is part of the Applied History Series, sponsored by the USI History department. Founded in 2016, the Series provides an opportunity for traditional and non-traditional historians to discuss their work as it relates to historical events, people and places. The series includes one to two lectures per year, considering local, national and global issues and providing students and the community with nuanced and innovative interpretations of the past.

Consumer Alert: Products Recalled

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PRODUCT RECALL
PRODUCT RECALL

Attorney General Todd Rokita is alerting Hoosiers of important consumer protection concerns for products recalled in March. Attorney General Rokita encourages consumers to take advantage of opportunities available for those who purchased the recalled items.  

“Spring has sprung and so have house projects,” Attorney General Rokita said. “That means making sure household products are working correctly. Hoosiers shouldn’t have to deal with faulty items. If you have one of the recalled products, stop using it immediately and pursue resolution from the manufacturer.”  

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following consumer products were recalled in March:

PRO XL501 Chipper Shredders from DR Power Equipment 

Sportsman All-Terrain Vehicles from Polaris 

Arctic Cat Alterra 600 and Tracker 600 All-Terrain Vehicles from Textron Specialized Vehicles 

Natural Gas Boilers from Burnham Commercial   

Office Chairs from TJX 

Children’s Bamboo Plates from Primark 

Relion Insight Series Lithium Batteries from Relion Battery 

Classic Whimsy Children’s Pajamas from Smocked Runway   

Multi-Purpose Kids Bike Helmets from Ouwoer Direct 

Wakeboard Bindings from Active Sports 

Soft Coolers and Gear Cases from YETI 

Portable SRTH Small Room Tower Heaters from Vornado Air   

Kindred Bravely Bamboo Nursing Hoodies from Akerson Enterprises 

Bedsure Electric Heating Blankets and Pads from Bedshe International 

Pure Outdoor Cooking System from Monoprice   

Crib Bumpers from Meiling Hou 

f you believe you recently purchased a recalled product, stop using it, and check its recall notice. Then, follow the notice’s instructions, including where to return the product or what steps must be taken to receive a replacement product.  

06To view recalls issued prior to March, visit the Consumer Protection Safety Commission website.  

 

BASEBALL ACES RETURN TO VALLEY PLAY AGAINST VALPARAISO THIS WEEKEND

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The second half of the college baseball regular-season begins this weekend for the University of Evansville baseball team, as the Purple Aces will welcome in Valparaiso to German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium for a three-game Missouri Valley Conference series.

The series begins Friday night at 6 p.m. and continues on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon with 2 p.m. and 1 p.m. contests.  The entire series can be heard live in the Tri-State area on 107.1 FM-WJPS and the Old National Bank/Purple Aces Sports Network from Learfield.

Evansville will begin the second-half of the season with a 17-11 overall record and 3-3 MVC mark, after rallying to beat Purdue, 12-10, on Tuesday night in West Lafayette.  The Purple Aces hit three more home runs on Tuesday night to raise their season total to 42, as UE ranks 48th in the country in home runs entering this weekend’s action.  Fifth-year first baseman Chase Hug went 3-for-4 on Tuesday night to raise his team-leading batting average to .410, while also launching his seventh home run of the year.  Hug currently leads the MVC in batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage, and has hit a home run in five of UE’s seven weekend series so far.

Graduate outfielder Eric Roberts continues to lead UE and the MVC in both home runs (12) and RBI (35) this year.  He is trying to join former teammate Tanner Craig as the only two UE players to lead the Valley in both home runs and RBI in a single season in the Purple Aces’ now 29 years in the Valley.  Craig led the MVC in both categories in the COVID-shortened 2020 spring season.

Valparaiso will bring a 9-12 overall record and 1-5 Valley mark into the weekend series.  The Beacons used solid pitching from scheduled Saturday and Sunday starters Nathan Chasey and Bobby Nowak on Monday afternoon to knock off visiting Murray State, 5-2, to earn Valpo’s first Valley win of the year.  Sophomore infielder Nolan Tucker and junior outfielder Kyle Schmack currently lead the Valparaiso offense with .354 and .301 averages, respectively, with Schmack leading the team with four home runs.

The UE-Valparaiso series dates back to 1948, with the Beacons leading the all-time series, 40-25.  UE has led the series, 7-5, since Valparaiso entered the MVC in 2018, though, and since UE made the move to Division I, Evansville has held a 14-8 advantage.  The two teams split a weather-shortened series to close out the 2022 regular-season at Braun Stadium last May, with Evansville winning the opener, 9-2, before Valparaiso answered back with an 8-4 win.

Junior RHP Nick Smith (2-3, 5.35 ERA) is scheduled to oppose Valparaiso RHP Griffin McCluskey (1-4, 6.75 ERA) in Friday night’s series opener.

UE Softball Clinches Series With Win In Series Finale

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Jenna Nink hit solo home runs in both games of Sunday’s doubleheader as the University of Evansville softball team clinched the series with a victory over Belmont in the finale.  The Bruins opened the day with a 6-5 win before the Purple Aces responded with a 3-1 triumph in the second game

Game 1 – Belmont 6, UE 5

With the game tied at 5-5 heading into the 7th, a solo home run by Belmont gave them a 6-5 victory over the Purple Aces in the day’s first contest.

Evansville struck first with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the first.  Alexa Davis singled and stole second before Sydney Kalonihea and Zoe Frossard drew walks to load the bases.  Taylor Howe singled to center field to put the Aces up 2-0.

After allowing just one hit over the first three innings, UE starter Mikayla Jolly ran into trouble in the fourth as the Bruins tagged her for two hits and two walks.  Erin Kleffman took over in the circle, but the Bruins would score five times to take the lead.

Jenna Nink cut into the deficit as she sent the first pitch of the fifth over the wall in left center.  After Karlee Frobeter reached on a single, Marah Wood hit a home run to deep right field to tie the game at 5-5.  Belmont responded in the top of the seventh when Emily Cockrill hit a solo home run that hit the left field foul pole to put them back in front.

Nink and Davis each recorded a hit in the bottom of the 7th but a close play at the plate ended the game and gave the Bruins the win.  UE had seven hits in the game with Davis and Nink recording two apiece.  Jolly threw the first 3 1/3 innings and allowed four earned runs.  Erin Kleffman tossed 3 1/3 frames with two runs, one earned, crossing the plate.  She suffered the loss.  Megan Brenton recorded the final out in the top of the 7th.

Game 2 – UE 3, Belmont 1

Jess Willsey hit a 1-out RBI single in the bottom of the fourth, which proved to be the game winner in game three of the series against the Bruins.

Belmont quickly took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first in game two before Evansville matched it with Jenna Nink’s second solo home run of the doubleheader in the bottom of the third.

Zoe Frossard hit a leadoff double in the fourth while advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt by Taylor Howe.  Jess Willsey followed with a single to shallow right field to bring in Frossard and give UE its first lead of the contest.

Evansville scored for the third consecutive inning when Alexa Davis crossed the plate to extend the advantage to 3-1.  Davis hit a 2-out double before Sydney Kalonihea reached on an error.  Heads up base running by Davis made the difference in securing the important insurance run.

With the Aces continuing to hold the 2-run lead in the top of the 7th, Davis contributed on the defensive side. Her diving catch for the first out of the inning set the tone for a 1-2-3 inning as the Aces finished off the win.

Sydney Weatherford was credited with the win.  In four innings of work, she allowed one run on five hits.  Megan Brenton earned her third save of the season, giving up just one hit in three scoreless innings.  Five different UE players had hits in the game.

Eagles lose opener to Redhawks, 13-4

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball lost the opening game of a three-game set with Southeast Missouri State University,13-4, Thursday evening at the USI Baseball Field. USI watched its record go to 8-21 and 1-6 in the OVC, while SEMO goes to 17-15, 6-1 OVC.
 
USI spotted SEMO a run in the first inning before taking their only lead of the game in the bottom of the third with a pair of runs. Junior centerfielder Ren Tachioka (Japan) knocked in the tying run with a single to left, while senior leftfielder/catcher Lucas McNew (Floyds Knobs, Indiana) gave USI a 2-1 lead with an RBI walk.
 
The Redhawks took the lead for good with eight unanswered runs between the fourth and sixth. SEMO scored four in the fourth, one in the fifth, and three in the sixth to take a 9-2 advantage.
 
USI got two of the runs back in the eighth when junior first baseman Jack Ellis (Jeffersonville, Indiana) dropped a two-run double into left center to cut the deficit to 9-4. That would be as close as USI would come in the game.
 
SEMO finished the scoring with four in the ninth before USI left a pair of runners on in the bottom half of the frame for the 13-4 final.
 
On the mound, freshman left-hander Will Kiesel (Wadesville, Indiana) took the loss for the Eagles. Kiesel (1-2) allowed five runs on five hits and four walks, while striking out a season-high four batters.
 
Up Next for the Eagles:  
The Eagles and the Redhawks continue the three-game set Friday with a 6 p.m. contest at the USI Baseball Field.  
 

UE’s College of Business & Engineering Lecture Series to Highlight Positive Community Impacts

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EVANSVILLE, IN (04/06/2023) The University of Evansville’s (UE) College of Business & Engineering is proud to continue its Lecture Series which will highlight how institutional research and class engagement are making a positive impact on society. The upcoming Lecture Series is set to take place on April 11.

Associate Professor of Accounting and Mead Johnson Nutrition Endowed Chair in Business Dr. Rania Mousa will discuss what financial inclusion means in a post COVID-19 world during her presentation Reimagining Financial Inclusion in the Post COVID-19 World: The Case for Grameen America. Dr. Mousa identified and analyzed the key initiatives implemented by Grameen America in alleviating the financial hardships of its underserved female members, thereby contributing to the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Her paper has been published in the International Journal of Ethics and Systems. Dr. Mousa is also a recipient of the UE 2022-2023 Global Scholar Award and has presented her research at the Sustainable and Socially Responsible Finance Conference held at the Yunus Social Business Center at the University of Bologna in Italy.

Following Dr. Mousa’s presentation, Dr. Beverly Brockman, Schroeder Family Dean, College of Business & Engineering and Dr. Chris Brockman, Professor of Finance, and Director of the Institute for Banking & Finance will present on the unique barriers confronting entrepreneurs in low-income communities. Their presentation A Managerial Perspective on Underbanked Entrepreneurs: Barriers to Lending and Community Partnership Solutions will highlight how the process of acquiring debt capital in the United States remains challenging, especially for low-income entrepreneurs. The authors will identify barriers to financial lending and present community-based partnership solutions to improve access to capital for underbanked entrepreneurs. Their research was published in the Journal of Economics and Finance Education.

Dr. Chris Brockman will then follow up with his presentation on Loan Opportunities through the UE Microloan Program. The UE Microloan Program is an experiential student-run program administered by the Institute for Banking and Finance in UE’s Schroeder School of Business. Advisors for the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center serve as executive mentors for microloan participants, with funding for the program provided by Old National Bank.

The School of Business’ dedication to promoting continuous learning will be further reinforced through these presentations. The Speaker Series is provided to highlight essential and emerging issues in business and engineering. It serves as outreach to the community and alumni as a form of engagement. Previously in the 2022-2023 academic year, the College of Business and Engineering hosted three Speaker Series Events.

Both in person and zoom options will be provided. For additional information on the event and how to register, please click here.

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