Thank you to everyone who took action against this bill! To date, nearly 1,350 Hoosiers have spoken out in support of preserving diversity, equity, and inclusion in Indiana. As a result of your messages and those of other concerned people, SB 289 was significantly amended in the House Judiciary Committee on April 7th.
The bill now prohibits state agencies, public college and universities, and public school districts from taking any action against or in favor or an employee, student, or applicant for licensing based on the person’s race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, or ancestry. The bill does allow scholarships for particular groups of college students to continues so long as they are funded by private dollars. The bill also rescinds an Indiana law that mandates diversity committees at public colleges and universities.
ACLU of Indiana continues to oppose the law because it is unnecessary and is likely to have unintended consequences. However, the bill is no longer a wholesale attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Public school districts and public colleges and universities can maintain their efforts to make their educational environments welcoming and supportive of all students. Indiana Governor Mike Braun banned such efforts for state agencies through an executive order earlier this year.
SB 289 will now go to the House floor. If it passes there, it will go to Conference Committee to work out the differences between the different versions that passed the Senate and the House. ACLU of Indiana will continue to monitor the bill’s progress.
