Indiana is taking aggressive steps to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs from state government. Governor Mike Braun, following his January executive order that banned DEI programs in state agencies, released a report on Wednesday that exposes over 350 instances of DEI policies, programs, and hiring procedures that the state intends to eliminate.
DEI programs often prioritize preferential treatment for specific minority groups based on characteristics like race, gender, and sexual orientation. These policies are implemented in various sectors, including college admissions, hiring processes, healthcare, and corporate practices.
In January 2025, Governor Braun issued an order requiring all state agencies to review their policies, procedures, regulations, and programs for any DEI initiatives. Agencies were given a deadline of July 1 to submit their findings. The resulting reports revealed that state agencies were enforcing over 350 discriminatory DEI practices, allocating significant employee time to DEI training, and using taxpayer funds for hiring practices that favored specific racial groups.
For example, the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) had a policy that hiring and retention of case managers should be "geared toward diversity and inclusion initiatives". According to Braun's report, this policy created a bias toward diversity and inclusion in recruitment efforts, potentially preventing the state from hiring the most qualified candidates.
Governor Braun's executive order prohibits state agencies from using state funds, property, or resources to support DEI positions, departments, activities, procedures, or programs if they grant preferential treatment based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. The order also forbids these agencies from requiring employees to participate in training or programs that promote such treatment. Additionally, Indiana state agencies cannot require job applicants to provide DEI-related statements or give special consideration to candidates who do. They are also prohibited from mandating that any person disclose their pronouns.
Braun's administration characterizes this initiative as replacing DEI with MEI, which stands for merit, excellence, and innovation.
The governor also signed an executive order to close the state's Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity. Karrah Herring, the state’s first chief equity, inclusion, and opportunity officer, along with four co-workers, were affected by the office closure. Herring expressed her disappointment that she did not have the opportunity to discuss the value of her DEI team with Governor Braun. She also argued that DEI includes standards of excellence and aims to create access for everyone, rather than excluding individuals.
Other executive orders signed by Governor Braun include a mandate requiring state employees who have been working remotely to return to in-person work by July 1, 2025. Another order mandates a 25% reduction in state regulations by January 1, 2029. Agencies are also directed to examine and reduce professional licensing requirements. Additionally, degree requirements are being removed for many state jobs.
It is important to note that the executive order does not explicitly address Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) or Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) programs. However, there is a possibility that these initiatives could be affected, as the order's broad language prohibiting the use of state funds for DEI initiatives may extend to programs that offer advantages in state contracting to minority or women-owned businesses.
