1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

I strongly urge you to vote against SB 289, which would ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in state government and public schools across Indiana. Eliminating these efforts would turn a blind eye to existing disparities and biases that prevent all Hoosiers from reaching their full potential. DEI programs are not about giving preferential treatment, but rather removing barriers and fostering an environment of true equal opportunity. This misguided legislation claims to promote transparency, but in reality, it instills fear and seeks to undo decades of progress toward greater inclusion and understanding. Banning the teaching of how stereotypes have wrongly perpetuated discrimination would be a disservice to our children and their education. Moreover, jeopardizing scholarships and initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in critical fields like teaching would be harmful to our state. Instead of divisive policies rooted in discrimination, Indiana should be embracing efforts to create a more just, equitable society that celebrates our diversity as a strength. I implore you to reject SB 289 and uphold our shared values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all Hoosiers regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or background. Let's move our state forward, not backwards.