Why young progressives shouldn't give up on Indiana — or flee from it
When recent college graduates think about where to live, Indiana is a complicated option. There are perks, namely cost of living, but they do not always offset some of Indiana's more concerning aspects, such as the state of politics.
It's important to contextualize young professionals. Both Gen Z and millennials tend to lean politically left. As a conservative state, Indiana poses a host of political problems for younger generations, ranging from a lack of reproductive rights to censorship. The state is also one of the least safe for those in the LGBTQ+ community.
For recent Indiana University Indianapolis graduate Anna Morgan, the state's neglect of public K-12 education is concerning. Morgan wants to pursue a career in education and is moving to Milwaukee for her master's degree.
'Indianapolis is very pro-privatization,' Morgan said. 'Education is just a big factor for me, and it's been very concerning — especially the past legislative session. The continual targeting of, specifically (Indianapolis Public Schools) ... and now having to share tax dollars and with charter schools, which further depletes the pool of resources.'
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Public transportation and walkability also are key factors for Morgan, a desire common among recent graduates. Indiana offers few places with these amenities outside of Indianapolis' most expensive neighborhoods, another reason why the state doesn't meet everyone's standards. Walkability exists, but if often comes with a price tag.
Wanting to leave seems attractive, but it's not a cookie-cutter solution.
'It is a privilege to leave,' Morgan said. 'Navigating [Indiana] is finding the spaces where you can exist within. There is a lot of good people in the red states, and they're doing the hard work ... and it's so motivating to see that.'
You need time, money and privilege to move — and not everyone has that — which is why it's important to consider the change that can come from staying.
'Existence is resistance,' Butler University graduate Mae-Mae Han said. "If [you] belong to a minoritized group or marginalized group, literally just being that identity and not being afraid to exist in that as that identity is going against what [conservatives] want.'
Han is a graduate of Butler's pharmacy program. She intends to stay in Indiana, even considering how the state is more restrictive in access to health care.
'Learning about just the health care statistics of Indiana has made me more motivated to be the best pharmacist that I can and advocate for patient care,' Han said.
'It's really important for people who do care about making social change to stay in Indiana,' she added.
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While Indiana's political situation is far from ideal for many young people, affordability is a strong benefit. Han said buying a home feels more doable in Indiana compared to other states. Many suburbs in Indiana are ranked among the best in the country.
It makes sense to want to live in an environment that supports your beliefs and identities, but that doesn't make it the best option for everyone.
While some progressive young professionals are drawn to places outside Indiana, it's important to consider the progress we can nurture. Conservative politics and legislation can be fought through supporting and advocating for our communities. As dire as the situation is — and will likely continue to become — there is a reason to fight for this.
Indiana is our home, too.
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