Gov. Braun signs executive order eliminating state DEI efforts, mandating state workers back to office

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INDIANAPOLIS (WPTA) - Newly-inaugurated Governor Mike Braun signed nine executive orders on Wednesday, including one that eliminates all DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiatives in the statehouse and another forcing state workers back to the office.

WATCH: Mike Braun inaugurated as Indiana’s 52nd governor

Executive Order 25-14 states that all executive branch state agencies may not use state funds or resources to “support diversity, equity of inclusion positions, departments, activities, procedures or programs if they grant preferential treatment based upon one person’s particular race, color, ethnicity, or national origin, over that of another person.”

The order also calls for the closure of the Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Office that was created by former governor Eric Holcomb.

Affiliate WNDU reports the move put five people out of a job, including Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Officer Karrah Herring.

You can read the full order here.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued a statement on the matter on Thursday morning, saying ending the efforts is a “distraction” from the real issues his constituents face.

“I respect that the governor has the right to set the tone for his new administration. Thinking of the myriad issues Hoosiers are facing, though, I can’t understand why this is a top priority. These practices ensure all Hoosiers are given opportunities and allow us to measure how equitable our state is. No one is harmed by a more equitable, just state.
Our staff in the House Democratic Caucus attended a workshop led by the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office and found it to be insightful and helpful in our day-to-day work addressing the needs and lived experiences of Indiana residents. The closure of this office and the dismantling of DEI practices is nothing but a distraction from the real issues Hoosiers face throughout our state.
The Indiana House Democratic Caucus is concerned with tackling high property taxes, health care costs and providing all Hoosier kids with a good education. That’s what our constituents tell us they’re concerned about, and our goal is to work for them, not fight the Washington D.C. culture wars that leave working Hoosiers caught in the crosshairs."
Rep. GiaQuinta wrote.

Another initiative signed by Gov. Braun on Wednesday is the “Return to Work” order.

The order says while “remote work was appropriate during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hoosiers now expect their elected leaders to promptly return to pre-pandemic practices and in-person work.

The order states all full-time state employees must return to work in the office by July 1.

According to the order, the Exeuctive Branch reported that more than 7.3 million hours of remote work were performed in 2024 under 10,588 remote work agreements.

You can view all executive orders signed on Wednesday here.