Mar 31, 2015 12:47 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Opposition to Indiana's controversial "religious freedom" bill is growing from within, this time from several of the state's college presidents.

In a flurry of statements Monday, seven college president in Indiana either opposed the bill outright or reaffirmed themselves as leaders of institutions that do not condone discrimination. Based in Indianapolis, the NCAA also spoke out on the bill Monday, coming close to openly condemning it as well.

Per WTHR in Indianapolis, here are parts of the several statements from Indiana's college chiefs.

Purdue University President Mitch Daniels: "Purdue works hard every day to be an open and welcoming institution, and we stand by our university-wide policy on nondiscrimination, which prohibits 'discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.'

"We will continue our proactive and persistent efforts to ensure that all members of the University community feel welcome and supported."

Ball State University President Paul W. Ferguson: "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."

University of Indiana President Michael McRobbie: "The recent passage of the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act has brought significant negative attention to the state of Indiana throughout the nation and indeed the world, because the law is widely viewed as signaling an unwelcoming and discriminatory atmosphere in our state.

"While Indiana University hopes that the controversy of the past few days will move the state government to reconsider this unnecessary legislation, the damage already done to Indiana's reputation is such that all public officials and public institutions in our state need to reaffirm our absolute commitment to the Hoosier values of fair treatment and non-discrimination."

Butler University President James Danko: "While I have read a variety of opinions and rationale for RFRA, it strikes me as ill-conceived legislation at best, and I fear that some of those who advanced it have allowed their personal or political agendas to supersede the best interests of the State of Indiana and its people. No matter your opinion of the law, it is hard to argue with the fact it has done significant damage to our state."

DePauw University President Brian Casey: "I am, by practice, reluctant to comment in any way on current political matters... 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."

According to the Huffington Post, two more college presidents added their voices as well.

Valparaiso University President Mark A. Heckler: "Valparaiso University stands with numerous Indiana organizations, businesses, and communities of learning in its longstanding commitment to renounce discrimination. Regardless of personal opinions about the RFRA, we must engage in open and respectful dialogue among people who may hold fundamentally opposing and irreconcilable beliefs."

Hanover College President Sue DeWine: "Whether intended in its origins or not the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" can have the effect of legitimizing acts of discrimination against other individuals, fellow citizens and visitors alike. Regardless of whether such actions occur, the legislation aligns the power of the state with attitudes of prejudice, discrimination, intolerance, incivility, and an acceptance of inequality that are injurious, even poisonous, to the interests of Indiana's educational, civic, commercial, and religious institutions."

See Now: Covert Team Inside Newsweek Revealed as Key Players in False Human Trafficking Lawsuit