Indiana Lt. Gov. Beckwith Faces Protests in Ellettsville

One audience member asked about Governor Mike Braun’s new power to appoint IU’s Board of Trustees.

ELLETTSVILLE, Ind –Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith faced a full crowd in Ellettsville Monday night during a town hall with tough questions and protests outside.

Demonstrators pushed back on Beckwith’s past criticism of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Inside, the conversation turned to race, where Beckwith said he doesn’t believe systemic racism still exists—drawing mixed reactions.

On education, he defended a proposal to expand charter school funding, saying public schools need competition. Some in the crowd disagreed.

One audience member asked about Governor Mike Braun’s new power to appoint IU’s Board of Trustees. Beckwith said he believes the university is promoting a political agenda and not staying neutral.

Even with some tense moments, a few people said they were glad to have the chance to speak with Beckwith in person.

One man told him, “We may not agree on much, but I respect that you showed up and took our questions.”

Beckwith replied, “I like having real conversations. I don’t mind the tough questions.”