Originally Published on May 16th, 2022

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana State Teachers Association’s new Vice President stepped down following the exposure of several racist and sexual social media posts he made while being an educator. Ben Yoder, Director of Orchestras at Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate & Junior High School, was elected into the VP position in March. He stepped down earlier this month.

“I really appreciate the genuine outpouring of support regarding ISTA and my stepping away from statewide leadership there.” Yoder posted to social media on May 4th. “Sometimes in life, we most protect our own mental health and put ourselves first. We have to read the room and decide what is and is not possible. Making the decision to step down was on of those times for me. I did this for me and for me alone. I realize that this message is rather cryptic to some, and that’s okay. I’ll have more to share later. In the meantime, take care of yourselves friends.”