On March 9, 1907, the Indiana Legislature passed the first-ever compulsory eugenic law, making sterilization mandatory for certain individuals with mental and intellectual disabilities. This ongoing pursuit of an ideal society gave power to a select few to curate citizenship rights around those whom they considered “undesirable” through theories in reproductive rights, immigration restrictions, and other policies.
Indiana’s constitution declares “that all people are created equal.” ... view more »
On March 9, 1907, the Indiana Legislature passed the first-ever compulsory eugenic law, making sterilization mandatory for certain individuals with mental and intellectual disabilities. This ongoing pursuit of an ideal society gave power to a select few to curate citizenship rights around those whom they considered “undesirable” through theories in reproductive rights, immigration restrictions, and other policies.
Indiana’s constitution declares “that all people are created equal.” Though this revolutionary idea is a foundational principle of our state, it is marred by a myriad of contradictions. This ongoing series of interdisciplinary conversations examines our collective definition of equality at key moments in Indiana’s history to better understand who is considered a citizen, who gets a seat at the table, and who maintains power in our society.
This free online event features:
Sarah M. Halter, M.A. – heritage steward, medical historian, advocate | Indiana Medical History Museum
Dr. James Peightel, M.D. – psychiatry specialist, humanitarian, leader | Resources for Human Development
Jill Weiss Simins, M.A. – author, historian, producer, and promoter | Indiana Historical Bureau
With:
Nicole Martinez-LeGrand, M.A. – author, curator, changemaker | Indiana Historical Society
View less
