Students hold 'eat-in' after IU Indianapolis cancels annual MLK Jr. dinner

When Darrius Avery heard IU Indianapolis canceled a decades-old tradition celebrating civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a campus dinner, he was devastated. So the senior finance student decided to organize a protest Sunday to honor King’s legacy.

"Unfortunately, I wasn’t shocked. It was more so like this falls in line with the policies that have been implemented here at IU Indianapolis,” he said about the cancellation.

Avery was planning to attend the dinner for the first time. He said campus culture has shifted in the last year due to broad policy revisions and funding cuts to programs important to minorities.

"It’s not tolerated. We don’t want it,” he said of the changes. “I think most IU students and alumni can actually stand with me when I say that. This is more than just the dinner.”

At least 25 people showed up for the “eat-in” — where people gathered to have a meal and talk. In the early 1960s, nonviolent sit-in campaigns were used by students across the country to call for civil rights. Avery first set up at the Campus Center, but facilities staff told the group to move to another building due to university rules around meetings and food, so they relocated.

“I feel like our campus leadership fell short. They fell short on their ideals,” said Kathy Marrs, a professor who attended the protest to support students.

“There is nothing in any executive order, there is nothing in any state legislation, there is nothing in any federal legislation that says that you cannot host a dinner for a historical figure, an American, a patriot, a civil rights activist,” she said.

Indiana University and other colleges have made widespread changes following 2025 policies from President Donald Trump and Gov. Mike Braun banning many diversity, equity and inclusion policies in government and public institutions. 

IU closed its system-wide DEI office. The Indianapolis campus removed two prominent signs that read “Black Lives Matter” and “Discrimination has no place here” from the campus. 

Dawn Wright, an alumna who has attended the dinner, is troubled by what has changed in less than a year. 

“It’s just embarrassing and very disappointing to see the university move in this direction,” she said.

The university has said it canceled the dinner for budgetary reasons. On Sunday, a spokesperson did not respond to emailed questions but shared a statement from Chancellor Latha Ramchand published last week.

Ramchand said there are still several events planned for the week to celebrate MLK Day, such as a teach-in, a discussion forum and an open mic session.

“As many of you know, earlier this academic year we made changes to programs related to cultural celebrations on our campus. The goal was to reimagine this work so we continue fostering an environment of respect for all by collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and the community in ways that reduce duplication, bring groups together, and remain fiscally responsible,” it read. 

The university has formed a task force to “reimagine our affinity dinners and related events,” which will complete its work by April 10.

“In short, the MLK Dinner is not going away — rather we are in a moment of transition and the work of this task force will help us create its next iteration,” it continued.

The Black Student Union at IU Indianapolis hosts the annual dinner and previously received financial support as a student group from the university to host it. 

In a statement shared on social media, the student group said, “This marks the first time since its inception that this dinner has been canceled, and we recognize the weight and pain this decision carries for our community.” 

King was assassinated April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tenn. as he stood on the balcony of a motel there. James Earl Ray was convicted of killing King.

Contact WFYI reporter Zak Cassel at zcassel@wfyi.org.