In the United States, politics have become identities, and identities have become political. Some may argue against that, but in our current climate, people fear their rights being taken from them because of the color of their skin or the person they love. After the last election cycle, the US government is majority Republican, and in their limited time in office, they have made some significant changes. In Indiana, Governor Mike Braun has made big moves. One of his executive orders prohibits the state government from funding or pushing forward DEI initiatives. Soon after he did this, President Donald Trump followed in his footsteps, closing offices filled with DEI officials and planning to terminate them at a federal level. 

          But why are DEI initiatives important? DEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This means embracing each person’s differences regardless of race, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, physical ability, and anything else that impacts their social identity. These initiatives promote treating everyone fairly, offering them equal opportunities, and letting everyone’s voices be heard regardless of their identity. Often, these things are most relevant in the workplace. DEI training helps employees and employers understand cultural differences and how to accommodate differing perspectives. It also aims to build a more diverse workspace during the hiring process so that there is not only one type of person working for a company. People who push back against DEI claim that it is an attempt to promote racism against and takes opportunities from white people. One loud critic, Elon Musk, said, “DEI means people die” in a post on X. 

          In 2020, following the Black Lives Matter protests, Indiana’s former governor, Eric Halcomb, established the Office of the Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity cabinet position. He said this person would help tackle systemic racism within the state government. The Indiana Government website stated that its mission would “provide guidance and support to State of Indiana Agencies in order to normalize and operationalize equity, inclusion, and opportunity.” Governor Halcomb appointed Karrah A. Herring as the state’s first diversity czar in November 2020. When interviewed after the announcement, Halcomb stated his goal was “to better build diversity and foster an inclusive environment within state government and the services we provide so every Hoosier can take full advantage of their gifts and potential.” Herring said at the time that she knew her position was only secure as long as Halcomb was still in office. The Indiana State Government website has now removed any webpage referring to the Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity position and missions.

          Governor Mike Braun assumed office on January 13th, 2025. By January 15th, he had already signed several executive orders, including one that eliminated all DEI initiatives in the state government, cutting Herring’s position. Braun said he believes DEI should be replaced with “MEI: merit, excellence, and innovation.” Braun’s executive order begins by stating that it ensures “all Hoosiers have equality of opportunity by eliminating DEI in state government.” Executive branch state agencies cannot utilize state funds, property, or resources to “support diversity, equity, and inclusion positions, departments, activities, procedures, or programs” if they “grant preferential treatment” because of one’s “race, color, ethnicity, or national origin.” They cannot “participate in or receive any training, instruction, procedures, or programming” that “endorse preferential treatment” because of their identity. Employers cannot treat potential employees who provide statements “relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion” differently. And agencies cannot “mandate any person to disclose their pronouns.” The full document is available at https://www.in.gov/gov/files/EO-25-14.pdf  

          When Donald Trump returned to his position as the President, he acted similarly to Braun. During his first week in office, President Trump has signed over 60 executive orders, including ones aimed at DEI initiatives at the federal level. He ordered the federal government officials overseeing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to be placed on leave and that the agencies would be forced to close their offices by the end of January. He claimed that DEI programs are “forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs.” He is also expected to sign orders that remove DEI practices from the US military and ban transgender individuals from serving. Many major companies have pulled back on their previously stated DEI and anti-discriminatory practices in response to his actions. Some of these companies include Target, Meta, Amazon, McDonalds, and Walmart.

          On college campuses, DEI is focused on admissions, recruitment, and programs aimed at underrepresented students. Our campus is filled with diversity, and it is unclear if any of these changes will affect us directly. UE’s Center for Inclusive Excellence promotes the importance of DEI. Their webpage says: “At the University of Evansville, diversity and equity are integral to our academic excellence. We’re committed to fostering a welcoming campus for individuals of all backgrounds through the Center for Inclusive Excellence, providing resources for students, faculty, and leadership.” They promote and participate in events such as the MLK Day of Celebration, UE Pride Camp, Journey to Justice, and Springboard. To learn more about their work or reach out, you can find them on Instagram @ue_cie or their webpage at https://www.evansville.edu/center-for-inclusive-excellence 

          The world we live in today is constantly changing, as are the policies being enacted. While it is vital to be well-informed on your rights and what is going on in Washington, taking care of yourself is also important. If you find yourself spiraling into dread, it is okay to take a step back. What is most important is to pick yourself back up, understand what is happening and what you agree with, and find a way to speak up and fight for what you believe in.