Indiana University and its regional campuses have shut down diversity, equity and inclusion offices in the wake of state executive orders and legislation that follow the lead of President Donald Trump.
On Friday, James Wallace, director of IU Northwest’s Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, couldn’t be reached at his office phone number.
On Thursday, IU officials in Bloomington issued a release saying it was taking steps “to ensure the university is fully compliant with state and federal laws and guidance regarding diversity, equity and inclusion.”
The release stated the DEI offices across IU’s main campus in Bloomington and its regional campuses would sunset, effective Thursday.
Aaron Pigors, IU Northwest’s executive director of marketing and communications referred questions to Mark Bode, executive director of media relations and public affairs.
Bode referred questions to IU’s Thursday’s press release.
Within his first two days in office, Trump’s initial executive order called for dismantling federal DEI programs. Another order ended affirmative action in federal contracting and directed layoffs for federal diversity, equity and inclusion staffers.
Trump labeled them as “illegal and immoral discrimination programs.”
GOP states, including Indiana, have followed with similar bans on DEI programs. Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order banning DEI initiatives in state government offices on his second day in office.
In addition, he signed Senate Bill 289, which prohibits mandatory DEI training in K-12 schools and limits DEI programs in state universities. The law also allows individuals to sue public schools for DEI policies and programs.
Earlier this month, Attorney General Todd Rokita sent a letter to the University of Notre Dame claiming its DEI policies may violate state and federal law.
Ball State University and Ivy Tech Community College have already eliminated DEI programs in response to GOP edicts.
IU’s release also said its Office of Institutional Equity has transitioned to become the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, which more accurately reflects its work and mission to oversee the university’s compliance with federal civil rights laws.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
