Campus Update Regarding Senate Enrolled Act 1
August 17, 2022
Dear DePauw Community,
We are writing in response to the recent state legislative action ending the right to most legal abortions in Indiana. We know that many have deeply held beliefs and convictions regarding this subject and that this legislation may have a direct impact on the lives of many, including those who learn and work in the DePauw community.
DePauw values the health and safety of every member of our community through access to support, knowledge and resources. DePauw has served and will continue to serve the health care needs of every community member by providing care and support, with dignity and respect. The clinicians at DePauw Health Wellness Center and Counseling Services as well as our staff in the Women’s Center and on our CARE Team will continue to provide high-quality support and services, to every extent that is legal in the state of Indiana. We are reviewing our employee health plans with legal counsel to determine if we may amend them to cover eligible out-of-state travel expenses for health plan members to obtain covered medical services that will no longer be available in Indiana.
We realize many members of this community may have divergent opinions on abortion, and it is important that we respect and defend each person's right to voice those views. Our energies that last year focused on articulating our values on free expression will be especially important now, as we engage in discussions, dissension or advocacy about this issue and other critical topics.
As we learn more about the impact of this new legislation on health services and benefits, we will provide additional updates.
The DePauw University Cabinet
Lori S. White, President
Andrea Young, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Anne Cunningham, Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement
Beth Petrie, Vice President for Enrollment Management
Betsy Demmings, Executive Assistant to the President
Dave Berque, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dionne Jackson, Vice President for Institutional Equity
John Mark Day, Vice President for Student Affairs
Sarah Steinkamp, Chief of Staff and Interim Vice President for Communications and Marketing