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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

‘We feel insulted’: Community leaders protest anti-DEI orders at state capital 

HANNA RAUWORTH
HANNA RAUWORTH
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.

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Community leaders, led by president at Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Greater Indianapolis Lionel Rush, held a rally in support of DEI and funding Martin University at the governor’s office in the state capitol Wednesday. 

Several community leaders raising their hands to signal association with Martin University, which was recently defunded under Gov. Mike Braun’s budget proposal. (Photo/Hanna Rauworth)

The protests come after Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order killing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and replacing it with MEI (merit, excellence and innovation). 

“We call upon this newly inaugurated government to reverse (Bruan’s) first two decisions that he has announced would pertain to the people of color of the state of Indiana,” Rush said. “Namely, number one, his abrupt announcement to eradicate DEI in favor of some nebulous but nefarious scheme which he calls MEI, and number two, his contemptuous, in your face of elimination of funding for Martin University.” 

Rush and other leaders entered the governor’s office where they were told Braun would meet them shortly. Several lawmakers, including State Sen. Fady Qaddoura (D), who serves on Indiana’s Senate Appropriations Committee, were present and showed support for the community leaders. 

“I have studied the governor’s budget,” Qaddoura said. “The governor’s budget sets aside $700 million for tax cuts … so the claim that $5 million cannot be found in the budget to sustain Martin University’s funding is a matter of priority.” 

Gov. Mike Braun greets community leaders gathered in his office for a protest against his executive order eliminating DEI. (Photo/Hanna Rauworth)

The group sang “We Shall Overcome,” a popular gospel song associated with the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, and prayed for change. Other attendees included trustees of Martin University, community leaders and protesters in support of DEI. 

Following Rush’s remarks, Braun entered the room, greeted Rush and asked if they could arrange a meeting. 

“I’m going to get a meeting scheduled for as long as you’d want to talk about the issues,” Bruan said. “Can’t do it today, but I can tell that it’s important, and it’s important to me as well.” 

Rush greeted Braun and emphasized his community felt insulted, both for having to wait for Braun longer than expected and for coming out for a “photo-op” and nothing more. 

“Two things — We’ll accept scheduling a meeting with you. You’re the top executive in the state … you’re going to have occasions where you’re going to need impromptu meetings,” Rush said. “I want to make sure that we have the kind of collaboration established prior to that so that we can drop what we’re doing and come.” 

Braun maintained he had no issues meeting with Rush and had no issues discussing difficult subjects. 

“I’m always willing to sit and listen, and I have proven it by my past actions,” Braun said. “Here today we will start that relationship of collaboration. I’ll welcome your input and ideas, and we’ll take as long as it takes to where we fell that we’ve had a good, solid conversation.” 

Gov. Mike Braun greets community leaders gathered in his office for a protest against his executive order eliminating DEI. (Photo/Hanna Rauworth)

Rush agreed he would sit down with Braun and have a discussion but had no interest in hearing about his past political actions. 

“I’m willing to take a step back, and I hope you are too,” Rush said. “Now you are our leader. When I say ‘our,’ that’s inclusive, and so I’m not so interested in what you did as a senator, but when you come back to the 6.9 million people here in this community, we’ll talk.” 

For more information and a complete list of Braun’s executive orders, visit in.gov/newsroom/executive-orders

To read more like this, click here.

Following the rally, Braun met with Rush to discuss DEI and Martin University’s funding. Braun said he plans on visiting Martin University to hear more from community members.

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. 

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Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.

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