INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Mike Braun signed an executive order on Wednesday to remove DEI initiatives from the state government. The executive order was one of more than a dozen signed by the new governor just days after his inauguration. Braun's administration stated it would replace diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) with merit, excellence and intelligence (MEI). As part of the order, Braun has axed the Office of Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity. Braun's order cites a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that states "eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it." Braun's order says all executive branch state agencies shall not utilize state funds, property or resources to "support diversity, equity, and inclusion positions, departments, activities, procedures or programs if they grant preferential treatment based upon one person's particular race." It also eliminates any person receiving training endores "preferential treatment of one person's particular race, color, ethnicity or national origin, over that of another person." The order also extends to preventing state agencies from mandating individuals disclose their pronoun preferences. "Let's be clear: DEI practices are not about giving any group of people a handout, it's about helping people who have been historically overlooked a hand up."State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. Reactions The Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus denounced the move, calling it a "regressive action" that "threatens to undermine Indiana's progress toward building a state that works for all Hoosiers." “Our government should be a model of fairness and opportunity, not a barrier to it. This is not about politics; it’s about doing what’s right for every Hoosier," said Sen. Rodney Pol Jr. (D-Chesterton). “Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity for Indiana to thrive in the modern era," said Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis). A coalition of Black social justice organizations released a joint statement denouncing Braun's decision and asking the governor to reverse course and work collaboratively with community leaders to address the challenges DEI initiatives were meant to solve. "Replacing DEI with so-called merit, excellence, and intelligence (MEI) reflects a misguided understanding of equity and ignores the systemic barriers that continue to hinder marginalized communities. True merit and excellence can only be achieved when individuals are provided with equitable access to resources and opportunities, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background." Baptist Minister’s Alliance, National Action Network of Indiana, Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus bashed Braun's decision and said his pivot to "Merit, Excellence and Innovation" only further spreads harmful false narratives about DEI initiatives being used to land unqualified individual jobs or promotions based solely on race. "This is not and has never been the case, and the insinuation is not only deeply offensive, but harmful to minority workers throughout the state," said State Rep. Earl Harris Jr., chair of IBLC. "Let's be clear: DEI practices are not about giving any group of people a handout, it's about helping people who have been historically overlooked a hand up," Harris said. Appreciate Governor Braun's leadership in taking this important step to refocus and reground Indiana on MEI – Merit, Excellence and Intellect.Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla The Indiana Democratic Party provided the following statement in response to Braun's wave of executive orders, including the elimination of DEI initiatives. “As a party, we stand ready to work with Governor Braun where we can find common ground, such as cannabis reform, and on the issues Hoosiers care about: lowering prices, healthcare reform, and protecting local schools from budget cuts. Braun’s orders today will only push talent from Indiana, and create more government oversight and costs, not less. Let's get to work solving the kitchen table issues Hoosiers are dealing with." Sam Barloga, INDems spokesperson Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita applauded Braun's move and said the new governor is off "to a great start." "We need the best of the best to serve Indiana and put you first — not some woke agenda," Rokita said. Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla also commended Braun's decision. "Appreciate Governor Braun's leadership in taking this important step to refocus and reground Indiana on MEI – Merit, Excellence and Intellect," Nieshalla said. View Braun's order The entire order can be read below: executive-order-to-end-DEI-in-Indiana-governmentDownload