Back in January 2025 Governor Mike Braun ordered a statewide review of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across Indiana’s executive agencies, via executive order aimed at replacing DEI initiatives with a new framework based on what he calls “Merit, Excellence, and Innovation” (MEI).

The report was just released and cites 350 examples of DEI-related policies or programs in the state. According to the administration, these included over 70 instances of DEI training or instruction for employees, dozens of grant programs tied to DEI criteria, and policy language that has now been revised to align with the MEI standard. The Governor’s office says the changes will eliminate hundreds of hours spent on DEI activities and reallocate that time and funding toward direct public service.

Many of the trainings and much of the language flagged by the state pertains to schools. Citing the 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, Braun framed the move as a push for a “level playing field” focused on individual achievement rather than identity-based initiatives.

While the decision has drawn praise from some who see DEI programs as overly politicized, others have raised concerns about how the rollback might affect inclusion and representation in state programs and hiring.