Liam Neeson in his role as Alfred Kinsey pictured on the cover of Time Magazine. According to a document obtained by Indiana Public Media, the Kinsey Institute Special Working Group concluded the Institute can remain part of IU without violating state law.
(FILE PHOTO: WFIU/WTIU News)
Indiana University administrators are reviewing recommendations sent last Friday by a group charged with helping plan the future of the Kinsey Institute.
According to the document obtained by Indiana Public Media, the Kinsey Institute Special Working Group concluded the Institute can remain part of IU without violating state law.
Nine members spent weeks gathering input from listening sessions and emails while drafting its conclusions.
The group’s recommendations went to Shrivastav and IU General Counsel Anthony Prather and are intended to shape their proposals to the trustees at their Feb. 29-March 1 meeting.
Working group recommends accounting solution, postponing examination of 501(c)(3)
Under a plan devised by the committee — which includes three certified public accountants and the IU Bloomington Vice Provost for Finance — and reviewed by IU’s audit firm Plante Moran, it said a 501(c)(3) would be unnecessary.
The report suggests preparing a Kinsey income statement and balance sheet to account for all direct and indirect costs. For all expenses not supported by external funds such as grants and gifts, IU would find an alternative non-state funding source, such as IU Foundation funds.
Plante Moran said the plan was a “reasonable approach,” according to the document.
The working group report said its solution “does not necessitate, preclude nor discourage the establishment of an alternate entity structure, such as a 501(c)(3).”
However, it did recommend that IU postpone examining a nonprofit solution until “at least after the first audit review and start of the new fiscal year.”
“IU’s ultimate solution may wish to avoid, unless absolutely necessary, the volatile issue of the ownership of the Kinsey Institute Library & Special Collections under a separate 501(c)(3),” it added.
The working group said it never saw the original 501(c)(3) proposal submitted to the trustees in November.
Report highlights anxiety over misinformation and safety
The report says stakeholders raised worries during the January listening sessions that IU had not refuted claims used to justify the anti-Kinsey statehouse amendment that the institute was “full of perverts and pedophiles.”
Shrivastav addressed the concern in a column last Friday after receiving the recommendations: “Please know we understand you continue to be targeted by those who question the need for this vital work, including the spread of misinformation that impugns the integrity and character of our colleagues. While we may not always say so enough, we are proud that you have chosen to be part of our community. The hate and misinformation you withstand is undeserved.”
The working group said employees might consider leaving IU for safety concerns, if the institute were moved off campus, as “the relative group size of recent anti-Kinsey protests could fully surround some of the small houses proposed as potential headquarters for (the institute).”
IU has increased security at the current Kinsey headquarters on campus.
Recommendations call for support with fundraising and development
As the Kinsey Institute seeks financial security without state funding, it will rely increasingly on its endowment. The report called on IU to support its efforts to grow that endowment “as a source of perpetual private financial support.”
The working group recommended IU plan for a fundraising campaign to boost the institute’s financial independence.
IU spokesperson Mark Bode declined an interview request but provided a statement: “The Board of Trustees has received the working group report in advance of next week's Board Meeting, where they will determine how best to ensure the university's continued support for the Kinsey Institute. Whatever approach is ultimately implemented, the university remains steadfastly committed to the uninterrupted scholarship and research of the Kinsey Institute and its world-class faculty.”
Founded in 1947, the Kinsey Institute is one of the world’s most prominent centers for the study of sex, gender and relationships.
