IBLC comments on Gov. Braun’s DEI executive order

Today, Jan. 15, Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order replacing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices in state government with "MEI": Merit, Excellence and Innovation. Braun's executive order requires state agencies to examine policies and procedures to ensure compliance, as well as closes the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office created by former Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2020.

 State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement on behalf of the IBLC regarding the executive order:

 "Out of all of the very-real issues Hoosiers are currently facing: poor health outcomes, poverty and a lack of affordable housing, it's extremely troubling that our new governor is starting his tenure by attacking measures to make state agencies reflective of our communities.

 "Based on the 2020 Disparity Study conducted for the Indiana Department of Administration, it's clear to me that Indiana is not meeting its goals for equitable hiring and contracts. 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.

 "Gov. Braun's pivot to 'Merit, Excellence and Innovation' creates an insidious, false narrative that DEI leads to unqualified individuals getting promoted based only on their race or nationality. 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.

 "We should all strive to create a talented, diverse workforce that reflects the makeup of our communities. When we have more insights, ideas and voices in our state agencies, all Hoosiers are better off."