Indiana governor Mike Braun signed an executive order effectively dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion in all state agencies last week.
The move is just one droplet in a wider wave against DEI in Indiana and the United States.
This order states that these agencies must adhere to the decisions made in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, a Supreme Court case ruling that race-conscious admissions programs could not be based on stereotyped assumptions about minority applicants. Chief Justice John Roberts explained in the 2023 ruling that “eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it.”
Under this new order, state government agencies cannot use state funds, property, or resources to support DEI initiatives that grant preferential treatment based on race, ethnicity or national origin. Additionally, the order prohibits mandates requiring individuals to disclose pronouns or submit diversity-related statements as part of employment.
Executive state agencies are to initiate a review of the DEI positions, departments, activities, procedures and programs for compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision. This review will include any programs that were in existence at the date of the Executive Order, and which of those departments, positions and programs were eliminated or revised. This review will be completed by April 30.
State Sen. Shelli Yoder, who represents much of Monroe County, sees this as a regressive action that ignores benefits of DEI efforts.
“DEI initiatives add immense value to every corner of our state. They foster innovation, attract top talent and create opportunities that strengthen families, businesses and communities alike,” Yoder said in an Indiana Senate Democrats press release. “Eliminating these programs is more than a misstep; it’s a deliberate choice to ignore what makes Indiana stronger and more competitive.”
However, other government officials, such as Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla, commended Braun for his action against DEI.
“Appreciate Governor Braun’s leadership in taking this important step to refocus and reground Indiana,” Nieshalla said in a Facebook post.
While this executive order does not directly affect higher education, the decision to eliminate DEI in state agencies could be the first step toward eliminating DEI outside of state government control.
Senate Bill 235, a bill introduced this legislative session, would place limitations on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on state educational institutions.
In its current form, the bill would prohibit educational institutions from using general funds for DEI offices. It would establish requirements regarding standardized admissions tests and implement requirements altering academic standards. It also would ban state entities from promoting opinions on 16 concepts, including bias, allyship, social justice and others listed in the proposed bill.
This bill is being referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development and is still in its early stages.
However, IU faculty are already voicing concerns about SB 235. One came at the Bloomington Faculty Council’s most recent and first meeting of 2025.
“What is the administrative response to protecting IU faculty?” Beth Buggenhagen, professor of anthropology, asked IU Provost Rahul Shrivastav.
Shrivastav responded that there was “a long way to go” in the legislative process, as the bill was just filed in the previous weeks.
“Our state relations team is working with various entities to understand the impact of this and address it as best as we can to advocate for our position,” Shrivastav said.
Following his response, Alex Lichtenstein, a professor and chair for the Department of American Studies, asked Shrivastav what IU’s position on DEI is.
“We’ve always said diversity makes us stronger, but we also have to comply with the law of the state as it is,” Shrivastav said. “Let’s be solution focused on how we want our institution to succeed in the years ahead.”
In relation to DEI on campus, IU created a new committee to represent all its campuses at the end of last year. This committee is responsible for recommending outcomes to pursue related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Indiana Daily Student attempted to do a story on the ad hoc committee, its initiatives and plans for the future earlier this month. It had scheduled an interview with William Ramos, associate professor and co-chair of the DEI committee. Ramos canceled the interview the day before, and asked the IDS to instead go through IU Executive Director of Media Relations Mark Bode.
Bode referred the IDS to an IU Today article.
