IBLC reacts to state and federal DEI bans INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A ban on diversity practices in Indiana, combined with President Trump’s dismantling of federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, has sparked major concerns among lawmakers and community advocates. The Indiana Black legislative Caucus says these bans threaten progress for marginalized communities in the Hoosier state and across the country. “Eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our state just sends a horrible message to minorities, to women, that we don’t care,” Shackleford said. As state representative Robin Shackleford sees it, the term DEI now has a negative connotation to it, as she feels people don’t understand what DEI was originally meant for. Last week, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed an executive order eliminating DEI practices in state government prohibiting any programs, procedures, or activities that gives preferential treatment based on race, ethnicity, or other factors. “We still have to focus on anti-discrimination, we still have to focus on prejudices. How are we going to deal with making sure our minorities receive the contracts they should receive in our state?” Shackleford said. Monday, President Trump also signed an executive order that got rid of all DEI initiatives within the federal government. That move is setting the tone for private business employers all over the country, including Indiana. “There are businesses that have already talked about and have done this ahead of time, so the impact is there. There are some I know are holding strong. I believe like Costco, as an example, are holding strong, but there are other companies and organizations that say we’re dropping all of our DEI initiatives,” Harris said. The IBLC said they’re in talks with Gov. Braun’s office to have a sit down discussion.“I hope he comes prepared with a plan that’s going to look at those discrimination and biases when it comes to supplier diversity. I hope he comes with a plan that’s going to look at how we’re going to make our state more welcoming, and how are we going to diversify our workforce,” Shackleford said.