Glenn Beck rips Pence; Wilco cancels Indy show in RFRA fallout

Reaction to Gov. Mike Pence's Thursday signing of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act continued to roll in over the weekend and Monday, particularly after Pence himself discussed the legislation in front of a national audience Sunday Morning on ABC's "This Week" with George Stephanopoulos.

Here are some of the opinions you may have missed:

Glenn Beck calls fumble

The conservative political commentator sent out this Tweet Monday afternoon:

Rock band cancels show

Rock band Wilco, a two-time Grammy Award winner, pulled its business out of Indiana on Monday, citing opposition to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

The Chicago-based group used Twitter to announce the cancellation of a May 7 performance at the Murat Theatre in Old National Centre.

"We're canceling our 5/7 show in Indianapolis. 'Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act' feels like thinly disguised legal discrimination," tweeted the band's @Wilco profile.

A follow-up tweet read, "Hope to get back to the Hoosier State someday soon, when this odious measure is repealed. Refunds available at the point of purchase."

Concert promoter Live Nation declined to comment on Wilco's decision.

Indiana colleges and universities speak out

The leaders of more than a half dozen Indiana colleges and university have issued statements regarding the RFRA since Pence's appearance on "This Week."

Purdue University joined the group Monday, releasing a statement from the office of the university president, Mitch Daniels, Pence's predecessor as governor.

The response states that Purdue works daily to be a welcoming institution and that school officials will continue to make sure that all members of the university community feel supported.

"While a longstanding Board of Trustees policy precludes Purdue taking institutional positions on matters such as the current controversy, we wish to take this opportunity to affirm our unwavering commitment to our principles and our opposition to any governmental measure that would interfere with their practice on our campuses," the statement reads.

Ball State President Paul Ferguson responded by touting the school's equal opportunity and affirmative-action policy.

"In the context of the current state and national conversation related to Indiana's recent legislation, it is important to reaffirm that Ball State University has long been committed to a vibrant and diverse community and will not tolerate discrimination," Ferguson said in a statement.

Sue DeWine, president of Hanover College, Pence's alma mater, wrote on open letter about the law: "As president of Hanover College, I ask that Gov. Pence honor the values of his alma mater. At Hanover College we celebrate inclusion, acceptance and openness to all persons. We do this not only because it represents the very best of what it means to be a Hoosier, but also because it is morally the right thing to do."

Earlham College President David Dawson said he understands there are multiple perspectives regarding the bill but notes the controversy is an opportunity for the college to make its dedication to diversity and inclusion clear.

"The Earlham community will continue to be unrelenting in promoting the values of diversity and inclusion beyond the borders of the Earlham campus, throughout the state of Indiana, and beyond," Dawson wrote.

In a statement issued Sunday evening, IU President Michael McRobbie noted the "significant negative attention" that the state has received nationally and internationally since passage of the law, which he said many see as "signaling an unwelcoming and discriminatory atmosphere in our state."

Butler President James Danko called the law "ill-conceived legislation at best" and asked state leaders to take action.

"No matter your opinion of the law, it is hard to argue with the fact it has done significant damage to our state," Danko said.

DePauw President Brian Casey noted his apprehension to comment on political matters but stated that "legislation that has the effect of either encouraging or condoning discrimination, however, must be addressed."

"I join with other Indiana corporations, leaders in industry, and institutions of higher education and urge the governor and the legislature to take all steps necessary to address the harm this legislation has caused," Casey wrote.

Franklin College President James G. Moseley said the school is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination.

"We believe that communities and institutions grow stronger through diversity," he said in a statement.

"Rather than taking a position on particular matters such as Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), Franklin College's historic role has been to provide an environment that encourages and supports public discussion of important issues and complex matters. Franklin College is dedicated to encouraging diverse, sometimes controversial discussions that help each individual establish his or her own beliefs."

City leaders push for inclusion

A number of local mayors and other city leaders are stepping up and stating that they believe in leading inclusive communities.

In a statement issued Monday, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said that the city has always worked to treat everybody with kindness. He added that the bill "sends the wrong perception about Indiana."

"I hope people across the United States understand that even though this law is ambiguous, the vast, vast majority of people in Indiana are welcoming, hospitable and will treat everyone fairly and equally," he said.

Brainard also talked about making a mistake early in his career as mayor and acknowledging it was the only way to repair the damage.

"I have taught my children that everyone makes mistakes and that the most important thing is to admit and fix the problem," he said. "The legislature and the governor need to admit a mistake was made, do it quickly and fix it with a simple amendment that prohibits treating any one person differently than any other."

In an opinion piece posted Monday morning, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness asked the City Council to pass a proclamation that calls on all residents, businesses and government agencies to celebrate diversity and reject discrimination.

"Much has been said and written with regard to the recent passing of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. I am not supportive of the new law," he wrote. "My value system is counter to anything that could potentially degrade human dignity or enable inequality. Regardless of my personal beliefs around diversity and equality, I think we have to act in terms of what is best for the long term sustainability of our community and our state."

Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun said in the past few days people have been asking him how he feels about Senate Bill 101.

"I felt it was confusing and that it is yet to be determined what it actually means for Indiana," he said. "As a community that relies on foreign investment I worry about perception, and that (Shelbyville) may be perceived as intolerant or unwelcoming because of legislation that is out of our control, and that bothers me.

"For me, it's about reaffirming that we are a very welcoming community."

Indianapolis City Council member Zach Adamson said the law makes "us all look like backwater hicks."

"It's wrong, it's un-American and it's a lie to say it's religious based. Matthew 19 says divorce is a sin. Are these same businesses going to refuse service to state legislators since over half of them are divorced? I doubt it. It's 100% false that this has anything to do with religion and everything to do with an excuse to exclude and is purely retaliation for losing the marriage fight."

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra voices concerns

Gary Ginstling, CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, said Monday that a number of high profile guest artists slated to perform with the orchestra have expressed concerns about coming to Indiana in the future.

"The ISO is committed to providing our community opportunities to experience the most talented performers from around the world; that any artist might choose not to perform with us due to this legislation is but one example of its far-reaching consequences," Ginstling said.

"At a time when the nation's attention is focused on Indianapolis this week as we host the NCAA's 2015 Final Four Men's Basketball Championship and our city's unique personality and hospitality will be on display, it is a shame that the divisiveness of this legislation has become the headline," he said in a statement. "And given these headlines, it is important that the Indianapolis Symphony reiterate its commitment to inclusiveness and to the value and benefit of a diverse community."

Tim Cook touches on "dangerous" wave of legislation

After tweeting his disapproval of the RFRA on Friday, Apple CEO Tim Cook expanded on his feelings of the legislation in a Washington Post op-ed published Sunday night.

In the piece, Cook discusses what he views as the danger of laws like the one signed by Pence last week, as well as other legislation either in effect or in consideration across the country.

"These bills rationalize injustice by pretending to defend something many of us hold dear," Cook writes. "They go against the very principles our nation was founded on, and they have the potential to undo decades of progress toward greater equality."

SNL's Weekend Update fires a shot

On "Saturday Night Live," Weekend Update anchor Colin Jost started the popular segment with the news of Pence signing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

"The governor of Indiana has signed a new law allowing businesses to turn away gay and lesbian customers, saying it's part of their religious freedom," Jost said. "You'll be able to tell which stores are supporting the new law because they'll have these helpful little signs."

The graphic behind Jost then switched to a storefront covered with a black and yellow banner that read "GOING OUT OF BUSINESS!"

NBA, WBNA and pro teams make a comment

On Saturday morning, the NBA, WNBA, Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever issued the following joint statement in regard to the RFRA:

"The game of basketball is grounded in long established principles of inclusion and mutual respect. We will continue to ensure that all fans, players and employees feel welcome at all NBA and WNBA events in Indiana and elsewhere."

Pacers and Fever owner Herb Simon added that the teams and Bankers Life Fieldhouse have the "strongest possible commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination."

"That has always been the policy from the very beginning of the Simon family's involvement, and it always will be," he said in a statement.

Call Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.