Harris condemns passage of anti-DEI legislation

Senate Bill 289, which limits the role of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices in state agencies and limits scholarships based on race and/or personal characteristics, passed out of the House of Representatives today by a vote of 66-27.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), issued the following statement on the legislation:

"While I amended this legislation last week to help protect vital higher education scholarships, I could not, in good conscious, vote for this bill. For years, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices have been demonized as a far-left attempt to divide Americans. DEI isn’t about division. It’s about access. It’s about ensuring that every Hoosier — regardless of their characteristics— has a fair shot at success. DEI doesn’t ask for special treatment. It asks for equal opportunity. And if we can’t stand for equal opportunity in this chamber, then what exactly are we doing here?

"This bill would undermine the progress we’ve made in making our campuses and government institutions more reflective of the people they serve. It would send a chilling message to young people, workers and businesses that Indiana is moving backward — away from fairness, away from representation and away from accountability.

"This legislation will have detrimental effects on Indiana students, professionals and businesses, and Indiana Republicans will be to blame for allowing hyper-partisan culture wars to override their obligations to Hoosiers."