Black lawmakers denounce governor’s anti-DEI order, budget proposal

This story was originally published on Indiana Capital Chronicle.Indiana’s Black Legislative Caucus on Tuesday condemned Gov. Mike Braun’s anti-diversity moves as benefiting only those who “feel attacked.”Braun last week signed an executive order replacing “diversity, equity and inclusion” (DEI) throughout state government policies and programming with “merit, excellence and innovation” (MEI). It also closed the Office of the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Officer created by his predecessor.“Diversity, equity and inclusion is not about giving any group a handout,” said Rep. Earl Harris Jr., the caucus’ leader. “It’s about giving everyone access by expanding opportunities for even more talented and qualified individuals, regardless of their identity.”“Who does this benefit, other than folks who baselessly feel attacked by the mere mention of diversity in our workforce?” asked Harris, D-East Chicago. He spoke before reporters at a Statehouse news conference.He said the executive order was “distracting” from caucus priorities like maternal health coverage, housing affordability and water safety education.The 16-member caucus of Black legislators also denounced targeted cuts proposed last week.Braun’s two-year budget, presented to lawmakers Thursday, would eliminate funding for the Indiana Commission for Women and the Indiana Native American Indian Affairs Commission. It would slash Indiana Civil Rights Commission funding...