INDIANAPOLIS – Today, the Indiana Senate advanced SB 289, a bill that eliminates critical efforts to promote inclusion and equal opportunity in state agencies, schools and workplaces. This legislation places new restrictions on programs that help ensure Hoosiers—regardless of background, race, gender, disability, or economic status—have access to the same opportunities to learn, work and succeed.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), is not about “lowering standards” or “picking winners and losers.” DEI is about ensuring that talent isn’t ignored, excluded or silenced because of systemic barriers that have historically shut people out. It’s about military veterans transitioning into civilian jobs. It’s about women breaking into male-dominated industries. It’s about ensuring disabled Hoosiers have access to workplaces that accommodate their needs. It’s about eliminating bias so that hiring, promotions and admissions reflect true merit—not outdated prejudices.

But today, we heard certain members of the senate try to redefine diversity as a threat, twisting the meaning of DEI into something sinister—when, in reality, it’s about the core American principle that opportunity should be available to everyone, not just a select few.

Even more disturbing? One of the authors of the bill admitted he never met with any organization working to end discrimination in education or the workforce. He didn’t consult with workers, employers, veterans, disabled Hoosiers, or students who would be harmed by this legislation.

SB 289 is not about fairness—it’s about erasing progress. It’s about silencing conversations that make us better and banning tools that make workplaces and classrooms stronger. It’s about stripping workers, students and employers of the ability to ensure everyone gets an opportunity to succeed.

Who says merit and diversity are exclusive? The idea that diversity somehow undermines qualifications is a false and dangerous narrative. Diversity does not mean you lack merit—diversity means talent is recognized in all its forms. It means breaking down barriers so that the best candidates rise based on ability, not outdated biases. It means ensuring that every Hoosier—no matter their background—has a fair chance to compete, succeed and contribute. Merit and diversity are not opposing forces—they are partners in building a stronger, more competitive Indiana.

DEI is not the problem—our refusal to confront the past is. We created DEI to open doors, to learn from our history and to build a future where every Hoosier has the opportunity to succeed. This bill doesn’t move us forward—it locks us in the past. The Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus stands firmly against SB 289 and remains committed to policies that expand opportunity, not restrict it.

Today, more than four hours were spent debating a so-called ‘problem’ that no one even has proof of existing, even when asked for the data or examples, while ignoring real issues that desperately need our attention. Instead of addressing Indiana’s maternal health crisis, tackling the growing child care waitlists or the fact that wages have not kept up with the cost of living as Gov. Braun has even acknowledged, we were forced to waste time on a bill that does nothing to help Hoosiers. We didn’t talk about housing shortages, tenant’s rights or how working families are struggling to make ends meet. This indicates that priorities are being misplaced.

Now, SB 289 moves to the House for a vote. We urge every Hoosier who believes in equal opportunity to take action. Call your state representative. Email them. Show up. Speak out. Let them know that Indiana should be a place where hard work and talent—not discrimination and exclusion—determine our success.