Last Updated on July 12, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke
In a sweeping move that has ignited both praise and criticism across the Hoosier State, Governor Mike Braun’s administration has redirected Indiana’s public health framework, prioritizing what it calls “Merit, Excellence, and Innovation” (MEI) over traditional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The changes, detailed in a comprehensive report released on July 9, 2025, involve the elimination of over 20 public health positions, the restructuring of key programs, and the removal of health equity language from state websites. This shift, rooted in Braun’s January 14, 2025, executive order, aims to create a “level playing field” for all Hoosiers but has raised concerns about its impact on vulnerable communities.
A New Vision for Indiana’s Public Health
Governor Braun’s administration has framed the overhaul as a necessary step to eliminate what it describes as “politically charged” DEI initiatives that prioritize specific groups over others. According to the report, 70 instances of DEI training, instruction, or programming have been discontinued across state agencies, including the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) and the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). Additionally, 34 grants previously tied to DEI criteria have been opened to all Hoosiers, and 200 DEI-related policies have been revised to emphasize merit-based values.
Braun’s report highlights the elimination of two key IDOH positions: a disparities coordinator and a maternal health coordinator. These roles, which focused on addressing health disparities and improving maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black Hoosiers, were deemed redundant under the new MEI framework. The administration argues that these changes streamline operations, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and ensure that public health initiatives serve all residents equally, regardless of demographic factors.
“Indiana has replaced divisive, politically charged DEI ideology with Merit, Excellence, and Innovation,” Braun stated in a press release. “This creates a level playing field where every single Hoosier has the chance to get ahead with hard work.” The governor’s office contends that the new approach will foster innovation in public health by focusing on measurable outcomes rather than identity-based metrics.
The Context: Indiana’s Health Challenges
The timing of Braun’s reforms is notable, given Indiana’s ongoing public health challenges. According to the 2023 County Health Rankings by the University of Wisconsin Public Health Institute, Indiana ranks poorly in several health metrics, with some counties, like Madison County, falling to 84th out of 92 in overall health outcomes. The state’s infant mortality rate, while improved to a historic low of 6.2 per 1,000 live births in 2024, remains a concern, particularly for Black mothers, who face a mortality rate nearly double that of their white counterparts, according to IDOH data.
Maternal health has been a focal point of criticism for Braun’s cuts. The elimination of the maternal health coordinator position has drawn ire from advocates who point to Indiana’s high maternal mortality rate—among the worst in the developed world. A 2024 IDOH report noted that Black mothers are disproportionately affected, with systemic factors like access to care and socioeconomic disparities contributing to worse outcomes. Critics argue that dismantling programs specifically designed to address these gaps could exacerbate existing inequities.
Voices of Concern: Critics Weigh In
The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus has been vocal in its opposition to Braun’s executive order, arguing that it perpetuates negative stereotypes and undermines efforts to address systemic disparities. Representative Cherrish Pryor, a member of the caucus, emphasized the importance of targeted health initiatives. “When it comes to homeownership, health, and other measures, Black Hoosiers often start out behind white Hoosiers,” Pryor said in a statement. “These were really no-brainers,” she added, referring to the eliminated maternal health and disparities coordinator roles.
A recent post on X by @INDems echoed these concerns, noting that the cuts have led to the loss of 19 staff members from the Office of Minority Health, including those focused on maternal care. “Gov. Braun’s cuts to DEI programs have real consequences for Hoosier families,” the post stated, linking to a news article detailing the changes.
Health advocates have also raised alarms about the broader implications of the cuts. Shannon Anderson, director of advocacy for Earth Charter Indiana, argued that the redirection of resources away from health equity could hinder progress on other public health fronts, such as environmental health and access to care. “These programs were designed to address real, measurable disparities,” Anderson said. “Removing them without a clear replacement plan risks leaving our most vulnerable communities behind.”
Supporters Rally Behind Merit-Based Approach
On the other side, supporters of Braun’s reforms argue that the shift to MEI prioritizes fairness and efficiency. The administration’s report cites examples of programs that have been restructured to focus on universal access, such as a 211 community calendar that will no longer list events deemed to “violate Indiana state policy.” This change, Braun’s office claims, ensures that public resources are not used to promote divisive ideologies.
The Indiana Manufacturers Association has expressed support for related regulatory changes under Braun’s executive orders, particularly those aimed at reducing bureaucratic burdens. “We’re glad to see Indiana committed to competitive policies that don’t overburden businesses or residents,” a spokesperson said. This sentiment aligns with Braun’s broader agenda of streamlining state operations, which includes the launch of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation on July 8, 2025, to support small businesses with a $1 million annual budget.
Some Hoosiers have taken to X to praise Braun’s approach. A post from January 2025 by @sfmcguire79 celebrated the initial executive order, stating, “Indiana Governor Michael Braun has eliminated DEI from state government… banning DEI offices, programs, and mandated trainings.” The post reflects a sentiment among some residents that DEI initiatives create unfair advantages and that a merit-based system better serves the state’s diverse population.
Balancing Act: Health Funding and Policy Shifts
The public health cuts come at a time when Indiana is grappling with other budgetary challenges. Just two years ago, the state made a historic investment in public health, allocating significant funds to local health departments. However, the 2025 state budget slashed this funding by 70%, forcing counties to reduce staff and scale back programs like defibrillator distribution and community health outreach. Rhonda Williams, an office manager for a local health department in east central Indiana, told IndyStar that the cuts could lead to further staffing reductions if additional county funding is not secured.
Braun’s administration has also made headlines for other policy shifts, including the abandonment of a climate action plan in April 2025, which had been supported by a $3 million federal grant. The decision, reported by WFYI, was part of Braun’s directive to avoid federal programs without state oversight. Critics like Anderson argue that these moves reflect a broader trend of prioritizing ideological goals over evidence-based policy.
Meanwhile, Braun has championed new initiatives, such as a $6 million federal grant to expand apprenticeship programs in health care and technology, announced on July 11, 2025. Jason Graves, senior director for the Indiana Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship, said the funding will support high-demand fields, potentially offsetting some of the public health cuts by training new professionals.
Looking Ahead: A Divided Response
As Indiana navigates this new public health landscape, the debate over Braun’s MEI framework is far from settled. Supporters see it as a bold step toward fairness and efficiency, aligning state resources with universal needs. Critics, however, warn that the elimination of targeted programs could deepen disparities, particularly for Black and minority communities already facing systemic barriers.
The Braun administration remains steadfast, pointing to its broader agenda of education reform, economic innovation, and disaster preparedness as evidence of a comprehensive approach to governance. On July 11, 2025, Braun announced the deployment of first responders to Texas to aid in flood recovery, emphasizing Indiana’s readiness to support other states while reassessing its own emergency communication systems.
For now, Hoosiers are left to weigh the trade-offs of Braun’s vision. Will the shift to MEI deliver on its promise of a level playing field, or will it leave the state’s most vulnerable residents further behind? As the 2025 legislative session approaches, the answers to these questions will likely shape Indiana’s public health landscape for years to come.
