SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- On Thursday, the University of Indiana was dealt a legal blow as a court granted an injunction against the school's Expressive Activity Policy, which outlines rules for events or activities the school deems as "expressive." 

In its ruling, the U.S. District Court for the for the Southern District of Indiana granted the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana's request for a preliminary injunction against the school's policy which prohibits “expressive activity” between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., even when the activity is not disruptive.

The court found that the policy likely violates the First Amendment.

In a lawsuit filed in 2024, the ACLU of Indiana argued that the policy was overly broad. On May 29, 2025, a judge found that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed in the lawsuit, and granted the preliminary injunction that temporarily prohibits IU from enforcing the policy while the case moves forward.

“IU’s policy would apply to activities such as peaceful candlelight vigils, silently holding a sign, or even wearing a t-shirt that protests world events," said ACLU of Indiana Legal Director Ken Falk.

"The First Amendment does not allow a governmental entity to prohibit all forms of expression during certain hours of the day. We’re pleased that the Court agreed.”