Bill > SB0235

This bill establishes comprehensive restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities across various Indiana state institutions. The legislation defines DEI broadly, prohibiting efforts to manipulate employee composition based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity, and banning the promotion of policies or training programs that reference these characteristics without specific legal approval. State agencies are forbidden from expending funds to establish DEI offices or hire DEI officers, and state educational institutions are prohibited from creating diversity programming, conducting DEI audits, or employing DEI-focused personnel. The bill also requires state contract recipients to certify they will not use DEI materials, and imposes new requirements on health education institutions, including mandating standardized admissions tests and grade-based assessments. Additionally, health profession licensing boards are barred from incorporating DEI training or materials into licensing processes. The attorney general is empowered to investigate potential violations and can bring civil actions against non-compliant institutions, with potential penalties of up to $250,000 per violation. State educational institutions must also submit annual reports detailing their efforts to protect free speech, intellectual freedom, and ideological diversity, marking a significant legislative effort to restrict DEI initiatives in Indiana's public institutions.

Education, Justice

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/235/details