Indiana campuses quietly cut DEI language and programs amid political pressure

Photo Courtesy of IU Indianapolis Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Photo Courtesy of IU Indianapolis Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Colleges across Indiana, including Indiana University and IVY Tech, are quietly altering–  and in some cases dismantling– Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs and language following recent political pressure and new state policies. 

On January 15, 2025, Gov. Mike Braun issued executive order 25-14, calling for the dismantlement of DEI initiatives in all state agencies. This order states that all state executive branch agencies are not to use “state funds, property or resources” to support anything DEI related. The Department of Education falls under a state executive branch, meaning that some campuses are acting preemptively to avoid removal of government funding.

This is not just happening at IUI, but it is happening nationwide. The White House official website calls it “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.”

Indiana University has recently made some changes to their websites regarding DEI. A webpage that used to read “Diversity Education” now says “Professional Development.” Another header that was previously titled “Exploring Diversity in Higher Education,” now reads “My Journey to IU.” There are also missing links that contain resources, tools or readings regarding DEI that have been dismantled. 

Along with that, the IU School of Medicine canceled their annual LGBTQ+ Healthcare Conference due to “challenging” times amidst tense political timing. 

On March 12, IVY Tech’s president shut down their office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging (DEB). The website for that office has officially been removed, as well as a previous web page that was previously titled “Diversity, Equity and Belonging” now being titled “College Operations.”

Scholarships relating to DEI have also been under scrutiny, and may foresee changes as well. Vice President of the Cultural Connections organization at IUI, sophomore and public policy major, Liz Hernandez, said that a DEI based scholarship she received has recently removed the word “diversity” from the title. In reference to the scholarship, Hernandez said, “that’s how we’re able to pay for our college and our living expenses.”

Hernandez is concerned that scholarships may now go towards the people who don’t really need them, leaving minorities behind and even unable to attend college. She says that diversity introduces people to new perspectives and people that they may have not been exposed to before. 

“If these scholarships weren’t in place that were, you know, created to uplift minorities, there really isn’t anything in place for us other than that,” Hernandez said.

Out of 1,000 surveyed students, 55% said that they would “consider transferring if their college were to abolish diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.”

Indiana University joined the 17 other universities in the Big Ten to stand against the Trump administration’s threats against academic freedoms. A resolution for alliance in defense of academic freedoms has been created. In it, it states that “recent and escalating politically motivated actions by governmental bodies pose a significant threat to the foundational principles of American  higher education….” The universities have made it clear that they will be standing strong together, because “an infringement against one member university of the Big Ten shall be considered an infringement against all.”

This all stems from the Trump Administration's claims that about 60 universities, of which have been threatened or already seen funding removed, have practiced antisemitism on campus. However, these alleged acts of antisemitism are people expressing their right to protest, as they are distraught about what is happening overseas. The Trump Administration is using this as grounds to cut DEI programs and remove funding and support for universities.

DEI initiatives and programs do an immense amount of good in our education systems such as supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, the promotion of inclusive campus culture, and provide preparation for diverse workforces. State Senator Shelli Yoder states that DEI initiatives, “foster innovation, attract top talent, and create opportunities that strengthen families, businesses, and communities alike.”

The removal of DEI within college campuses will impact or remove certain student support services, cultural organizations, inclusive programming and even potential scholarships and financial aid. 

Taylor Goebes (she/her) is an undergraduate studying professional and public writing. Outside of writing, Taylor enjoys reading, crafting, being outside, and spending time with her cats and favorite people.

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