This bill is now a merger of SBs 235 and 289. Taken together it is a wholesale attack on public diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and principles. The bill would eliminate these programs and principles from state agencies and public higher education and increase the administrative burden for some nondiscrimination programs at all state and local public entities, including schools.
The ACLU of Indiana strongly opposes this bill. SB 289’s mandates have far-reaching implications. As Indiana becomes increasingly diverse, elected officials need to invest in programs and practices that make Hoosiers feel welcome as students and state and local employees. Among other things, DEI practices and non-discrimination trainings increase the likelihood that educational and workplace environments will be ones where all students and employees have equal opportunity to succeed. This bill is another large step in the wrong direction for Indiana.