A bill that faculty say would functionally remove tenure passed the House Committee on Education on a party-line vote Wednesday. 

Universities and their faculty have testified against the bill because of changes it makes to faculty discipline, university leadership, classroom teaching and tenure.  

Its author, Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) said his bill will protect tenured professors, although nearly all who spoke last week said it would stifle academic freedom. 

The committee took no testimony during Wednesday’s session and struck down an amendment by Rep. Ed Delaney (D-Indianapolis) that would remove the bill’s sections on tenure. 

IU President Pamela Whitten issued a statement criticizing the changes to tenure, but Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) said he’d heard from leaders of other universities. 

“I have been contacted by a provost of one of our leading institutions. I’ve been contacted by the President of the Board of Trustees in one of our leading institutions who have actually supported the language that you’re attempting to delete,” Behning said. 

Read more: Ahead of hearing, Purdue University Senate passes resolution opposing bill reforming tenure

Behning did not specify who he had contacted and did not respond to Indiana Public Media’s inquiries in time for publication. Ball State and Ivy Tech have criticized other aspects of the bill but refrained from commenting on tenure. Purdue has so far refused to comment. 

The bill still needs to pass the House to become a law.