The Indianapolis Star
Kayla Dwyer
January 15, 2025
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2025/01/15/banning-dei-return-to-work-gov-mike-braun-signs-executive-orders/77721150007/
On his second full day in office, Gov. Mike Braun signed a slew of executive orders under the general theme of government efficiency ― among them, orders to rid the state government of any diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, mandate in-office work for state employees and remove degree requirements for state jobs.
"You can see what this is about," he told reporters in his newly occupied governor's office, standing before a wall that's now blank, waiting for him to choose his own portraits to hang. "Making Indiana government more efficient, more transparent, more accountable. Every decision is being made with the goal of improving services for Hoosiers and maximizing the value of taxpayer dollars."
As governor, Braun has the power to enact orders that affect the functioning and organization of the executive branch.
Braun is closing Holcomb's DEI office
Braun's executive order banishing DEI initiatives from state government includes closing the Office of the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Officer ― a cabinet position outgoing Gov. Eric Holcomb created in 2020 following the criminal justice protests across the nation and in Indianapolis that year.
The end of remote work for state employees
The state first allowed government employees to work from home in March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic surged.
Holcomb also issued an executive order mandating a full return to work in 2021, and yet according to Braun's executive order, executive branch employees logged more than 7 million hours of remote work in 2024 alone.
Now, Braun is ordering full-time state employees to begin working in person every day by July 1.
"We believe in the value of in-person collaboration and believe this will foster a stronger and more connected state workforce," he said.
Removing college degree requirements for state jobs
One of Braun's executive orders directs the state personnel department to review all state job postings to determine if a college degree is "necessary to perform the job duties." If it isn't, he says, get rid of that requirement.
Braun wants to see degree requirements replaced with skills and experience-based standards.
"In the enterprise I ran for 37 years, some of our best employees were just good at what they wanted to come and do for you," he said, referring to his company Meyer Distributing. "This is going to attract a broader pool of talent. I know it works."
To Read The Full Story Click Here
