NAACP Condemns Indiana Governor’s Anti-DEI Executive Order
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2025
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
INDIANA - On Wednesday, January 15th, the date of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, Indiana Governor Michael Braun issued an executive order eliminating all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Indiana state government.
NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson, and Indiana State Conference NAACP President Sadie Harper-Scott released the following statement in reaction to the Governor's anti-DEI executive order:
"The Governor's executive order is an outrageous step backwards. It is a desperate and despicable attempt to reverse the gains of African-Americans, people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other minorities. Issuing that anti-civil rights measure on Dr. King's birthday is particularly dismaying as this measure stands against the principles of equity and ideals of Dr. King. Nevertheless, the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP remains undeterred and undaunted. The NAACP will continue to mobilize, organize, and litigate to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for all people. We will explore all options to challenge Governor Braun's anti-DEI executive order."
Earlier this week, the Alabama State Conference NAACP filed a lawsuit, Simon, et al. v. Ivey, et al., challenging another anti-DEI measure, Alabama Senate Bill 129, as a violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution. That matter is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. As we have done in Alabama and other states which are attempting to decimate DEI, we will continue to advocate, and if necessary, litigate to promote diversity and inclusion.
To learn more about NAACP's work to create equitable outcomes, visit our website, www.naacp.org.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.