WEST LAFAYETTE, IN — A late-night post on X by Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith took aim at the state’s public universities, specifically calling out Purdue after he read a message from a parent of a prospective Boilermaker.
In a post Wednesday night, Beckwith said he received a message from a parent who recently toured the West Lafayette campus. In the message, the parent took issue with the university’s marketing of cultural clubs, which included the “LGBTQ club,” in an informational video produced by the university.
“Then on tour had to point out their diversity tree. Then one of the Muslim guides made sure to proudly mention that she was part of the MSA Muslim student org,” Beckwith’s post said, quoting the parent. “Had to explain to my kid that’s the org that caused all of the violence and hate on campuses everywhere. I hate colleges altogether I think.”
The Diversity Tree, outside the Class of 1950 Lecture Hall along Oval Drive, celebrates the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council, according to the Purdue Arboretum website. The tree is frequently painted with the letters of those member organizations.
“Its inspiration comes from gathering spaces called plots founded on historically Black college and university campuses, where student organizations assemble and promote their events,” the Purdue website said.
In his post, Beckwith asked, “Why are state schools in Indiana the worst?”
“Do yourself a favor, send your kids to Hillsdale College where woke indoctrination won’t happen,” Beckwith said.
Hillsdale College, in Hillsdale, Michigan, is a private, conservative, Christian liberal arts college, according to its website.
Beckwith, who is a native of Hillsdale, did not attend the city’s private university. Beckwith earned a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Huntington University, a private Christian university in Huntington, Indiana, according to Beckwith’s biography on the state’s website.
Cherise Hall, Purdue’s vice provost for enrollment management, said the remarks the student tour guide made were based on personal experiences.
“The statement attributed to the student tour guide is not a part of any standard script, but rather reflect a positive personal experience the student had on campus with the MSA,” Hall said.
Student-led tours are offered to prospective students and family members, according to the Purdue admission’s website. Tours last between 2.5 and three hours, beginning with a 30-minute information session from admissions about Purdue’s programs, resources, campus life and admissions process, followed with a 90-minute campus walking tour led by a Purdue student tour guide.
Jillian Ellison is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. She can be reached via email at jellison@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lt. Gov. Beckwith slams Purdue over diversity displayed on campus tour
Reporting by Jillian Ellison, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
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By Jillian Ellison, Lafayette Journal & Courier | USA TODAY Network
