Last Updated on July 11, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke
In a sweeping move that has sparked both applause and apprehension across Indiana, Governor Mike Braun has unveiled a comprehensive review of state government programs, targeting the replacement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives with a new framework centered on Merit, Excellence, and Innovation (MEI). The announcement, made on July 9, 2025, follows an executive order Braun signed in January, directing state agencies to scrutinize and overhaul DEI-related language and programs. This initiative, which identified over 350 instances of DEI policies across state operations, signals a significant shift in Indiana’s approach to governance, prioritizing individual achievement over identity-based frameworks.
A New Vision for Indiana’s Future
Governor Braun, sworn in as Indiana’s 52nd governor on January 13, 2025, has positioned this policy shift as a cornerstone of his administration’s commitment to fairness and efficiency. The executive order, one of nine signed during his first week in office, mandates that state agencies eliminate practices that grant preferential treatment based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Instead, Braun’s MEI framework emphasizes rewarding talent, hard work, and innovative thinking, aligning with what he describes as “core Hoosier values.”
According to a report released by the Governor’s Office on July 9, 2025, state agencies identified 350 uses of DEI language or initiatives across various programs. These ranged from hiring practices and training modules to scholarship programs and public communications. The report details that 70% of these instances have already been adjusted, updated, or eliminated, with the remaining 30% slated for review by the end of 2025. The overhaul includes the closure of the Office of the Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Officer, established under Braun’s predecessor, Governor Eric Holcomb, in 2020.
Braun’s administration argues that this shift aligns with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, which declared race-based admissions policies unconstitutional. Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion in the case, stating that “eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it,” has become a guiding principle for Braun’s policy. The governor’s office contends that DEI programs, by focusing on specific demographic groups, risk perpetuating division rather than fostering unity.
Impact on Indiana’s Workforce and Education
The implications of Braun’s executive order extend beyond state agencies, raising questions about its effects on Indiana’s broader workforce and higher education institutions, including Indiana University (IU). In a state where IU employs over 20,000 faculty and staff and educates nearly 90,000 students across its campuses, the dismantling of DEI programs has sparked intense debate.
At IU, the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (OVPDEI) was shuttered in May 2025, following pressure from both state and federal directives. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued a letter in February 2025, demanding that universities eliminate race-based programs or risk losing federal funding. IU responded by redirecting its culture centers under the Office of Student Life and renaming the Office of Institutional Equity to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance. Additionally, campus signage promoting DEI has been replaced with messages emphasizing unity and bias reporting, such as “Build a community of unity, we can overcome bias together.”
Faculty at IU have expressed concerns about the broader implications of these changes. Beth Buggenhagen, a professor of anthropology, raised questions at a January 2025 Bloomington Faculty Council meeting about how IU would protect its faculty in light of Senate Bill 235, which further restricts DEI initiatives in state-funded institutions. IU Provost Rahul Shrivastav acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating, “We’ve always said diversity makes us stronger, but we also have to comply with the law of the state as it is.”
A Broader National Context
Indiana’s policy shift is part of a larger national trend. In January 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting DEI programs in federal agencies, citing “equality of opportunity” as a core principle. Over 300 colleges and universities nationwide have since scaled back DEI offices and programs, according to a May 2025 report by The Chronicle of Higher Education. States like West Virginia and Texas have also enacted similar measures, reflecting a growing pushback against DEI initiatives that critics argue prioritize identity over merit.
However, civil rights advocates warn that eliminating DEI programs could undermine efforts to address systemic inequities. Chris Daley, executive director of the ACLU of Indiana, told WRTV Indianapolis that DEI initiatives are critical for ensuring diverse applicant pools and preventing workplace discrimination. “The first message this executive order sends is that the state is a less welcoming employer than we were yesterday,” Daley said. He expressed concern that top talent might avoid public sector jobs in Indiana, potentially impacting the state’s ability to attract skilled professionals in fields like healthcare and education.
Economic and Social Implications
Braun’s administration counters that the MEI framework will drive economic growth by fostering a competitive, merit-based environment. The governor’s transition team, which includes appointees like Matthew Ubelhor (Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure) and Katie Jenner (Secretary of Education), has emphasized efficiency and accountability as key goals. In 2024, Indiana’s economy grew by 2.1%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, with manufacturing and healthcare as leading sectors. Braun argues that focusing on merit will attract businesses and talent, further boosting the state’s $450 billion GDP.
Yet, critics point to potential social costs. A 2023 study by the American Educational Research Association found that DEI programs in higher education increased graduation rates for underrepresented groups by 8% over a decade. At IU, where 25% of students identify as minorities, the removal of DEI-focused scholarships and support programs could impact retention and academic success. Senior Allison Taube, a member of IU’s Asian Culture Center, told the Indiana Daily Student that the reclassification of culture centers under the Office of Student Life felt like a “downgrade” in their visibility and support.
Voices from the Community
The policy has elicited mixed reactions from Hoosiers. On X, posts reflect a polarized sentiment. Some users praise Braun’s focus on merit, with one stating, “Finally, a governor who values fairness over quotas!” Others express concern, with a user commenting, “DEI isn’t perfect, but scrapping it entirely risks alienating talent in a state that needs it.” These sentiments highlight the challenge Braun faces in balancing his vision with the diverse needs of Indiana’s population, which includes 10.8% Black, 8.2% Hispanic, and 2.7% Asian residents, according to 2024 U.S. Census data.
Local business leaders have also weighed in. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce, representing over 5,000 businesses, issued a statement supporting Braun’s emphasis on merit but urged the administration to ensure that workplaces remain inclusive. “A diverse workforce drives innovation,” said Chamber President Kevin Brinegar. “We hope MEI doesn’t mean ignoring the value of different perspectives.”
Looking Ahead
As Indiana moves forward with Braun’s MEI framework, the state faces a delicate balancing act. The governor’s office has pledged to complete the review of all 350 identified DEI instances by December 2025, with a final report expected in early 2026. Meanwhile, IU and other state institutions are navigating a complex landscape, striving to comply with state mandates while maintaining their commitment to diverse student and faculty communities.
Braun’s bold move has positioned Indiana as a leader in the national debate over DEI, but its long-term impact remains uncertain. Will the MEI framework unlock new opportunities for Hoosiers, or will it inadvertently hinder the state’s ability to attract and retain diverse talent? As the policy unfolds, Indiana’s residents, educators, and business leaders will be watching closely, eager to see whether this shift delivers on its promise of a fairer, more innovative future.
