Indiana governor signs executive order eliminating DEI initiatives from state government

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed an executive order this week eliminating DEI initiatives from state government.

The order directs all government agencies to comply with the US Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. w. President and Fellows of Harvard College.

What is Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. w. President and Fellows of Harvard College?

The backstory:

The Students for Fair Admissions case centered on the use of race in college admissions, particularly at Harvard University.

The Supreme Court ruled that the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment applies universally, meaning that race, color, and nationality cannot be used as a factor in admissions or other areas where preferential treatment may occur.

Braun’s executive order seeks to apply this interpretation to state government operations in Indiana to ensure compliance with the court’s ruling.

Braun’s proclamation

What we know:

The executive order prohibits state agencies from using state resources—such as funds, property, or personnel—to support any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that provide preferential treatment based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

In addition, the executive order prohibits requiring individuals to disclose pronouns or submit diversity-related statements as part of employment applications.

What we don’t know:

The full effect of the executive order on existing DEI programs and policies in Indiana remains unclear, as state agencies are required to conduct a review and report on the status of these initiatives by mid-2025.

The specific conditions for how government bodies will adapt to the new guidelines still need to be determined.

What’s next:

Governor Braun has directed all executive state agencies to conduct a review of their DEI programs for compliance with the Supreme Court ruling by April 30.

A written report detailing the results, including any programs that were eliminated or revised, will be submitted to the governor and the Legislative Council by July 1.

In addition, the Office of Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity in the Governor’s Office has been closed as part of the implementation of this order.

Braun’s executive order can be found here.

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