Rokita, Braun tighten rules on state contractors, target DEI programs

Staff report

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and Gov. Mike Braun announced Thursday that state contractors must now certify they are not engaged in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices deemed discriminatory under state or federal law.

The updated requirement applies to all contracts signed on or after July 1. Rokita, who is responsible for reviewing and approving state contracts, said the change makes explicit that contractors cannot treat people differently in employment decisions on the basis of race or sex.

“No one gets a free pass for unlawful discrimination just because they claim to have good intentions,” Rokita said. “We will continue to enforce the law against higher education institutions and work to eliminate this terrible Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion known as DEI nonsense.”

The new contract language specifies that if a contractor operates DEI programs found to violate civil rights laws, the Attorney General’s Office could pursue enforcement under Indiana’s False Claims Act.

Braun tied the action to his Jan. 14 executive order banning state agencies from funding DEI positions or programs that “grant preferential treatment based upon one person’s particular race.” He said the change reinforces his goal of rewarding “merit, excellence, and innovation” while ensuring a “level playing field for all.”

The announcement also referenced a January executive order from former President Donald Trump, which directed federal agencies to require contractors to certify that they do not operate DEI programs that violate federal anti-discrimination laws.

Prohibitions on racial discrimination have long been part of Indiana state contracts, but officials said the revised language adds clarity by explicitly addressing DEI-related practices.

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