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On Jan. 22, the Indiana senate judiciary committee passed Senate Bill 235: Limitations on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Republican senators Tyler Johnson and Gary Byrne co-authored the bill.

WFIU News invited Sen. Johnson to the program. He declined, but shared a statement in an email:

"I authored this bill because misleadingly named 'diversity, equity and inclusion' efforts have been used to promote discrimination based on race, sex and other characteristics. 

Senate Bill 235 is in line with U.S. Supreme Court precedents on college admissions and other issues, as well as with Gov. Braun's executive orders on state agencies. The purpose of my bill is to ensure the government treats everyone equally."

The bill follows a similar federal ban to funding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. This includes diversity training and diverse hiring initiatives.

The senate judiciary committee passed the bill with an 8-2 majority vote. 

The ban also prohibits agencies, companies and organizations from funding DEI offices and positions. The bill led to controversy, where some senators believing the bill over-steps the first amendment, and limits free speech. 

Read more: ‘It’s racist.’ Indy lawmaker blasts Braun for not funding Martin University

The bill heads to the senate floor for further amendments. 

This week on Noon Edition, we’ll talk with experts to discuss changes to diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Indiana. 

Guests:

Greg Porter, Indiana State Representative (D-Indianapolis)

Russ Skiba, founder of IU's Alliance for Racial Justice 

Heather Akou, representative of IU's Alliance for Racial Justice