Statement clarifying claims by a private business organization (June 5, 2025)

Purdue’s recent communication with The Exponent media organization can be viewed here.

1. The Exponent is a private business organization (not a recognized Purdue student organization) and is one of many local media companies. 

2. Under Purdue policy, a private business organization’s use of university facilities requires a contract with the university. The contract between The Exponent and the university has long expired. 

3. Nor is it consistent with principles of freedom of expression, institutional neutrality and fairness to provide the services and accommodations described in the letter to one media organization but not others.  

4. The Exponent remains free to distribute its printed material on campus, as does any other media. It is not an appropriate or sustainable practice for a public university to handle physical media distribution for a private business.

5. Recognizing The Exponent’s self-described status as an organization “jurisdictionally and financially independent of the university,” Purdue also requests that The Exponent make its URL name consistent with its own masthead (without the Purdue name) to avoid public confusion.