INDIANAPOLIS – Chrystal Ratcliffe, President of Greater Indianapolis NAACP Branch #3053, has issued the following statement in response to Governor Braun’s announcement ending race- and sex-conscious components of Indiana’s Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise (MWBE) Contracting Program:
“As President of the Greater Indianapolis NAACP Branch #3053, I am concerned by the announced elimination of race- and sex-conscious components of Indiana’s Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise (MWBE) contracting programs and the potential impact this policy may have on Indianapolis.
Our city has worked for years to expand economic opportunity for small businesses that have historically encountered barriers to competing for public contracts. Those businesses employ Indianapolis residents, invest in our neighborhoods, and contribute to the economic vitality of our community.
The Greater Indianapolis NAACP Branch believes public contracting should provide fair and meaningful access for all qualified businesses. As changes to these programs move forward, we encourage policymakers to ensure that any new approach preserves broad participation, promotes equal opportunity, and does not unintentionally reduce access for businesses that have historically been underrepresented.
Economic opportunity is a civil rights issue. The Greater Indianapolis NAACP Branch #3053 will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen Indianapolis neighborhoods, support small businesses, and expand pathways to economic success for all residents.”
About the NAACP Greater Indianapolis Branch
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation’s oldest, largest and most widely recognized civil rights organization. Its mission is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. The NAACP Greater Indianapolis Branch was founded in 1912. Throughout our 113-year history, we have continued to fight for civil rights, particularly in the areas of job and housing discrimination. We have long sought to empower people through the ballot box and continue to vigorously defend voting rights and help register voters. We also urge the citizens of Indiana to stand in solidarity against divisive measures and advocate for the preservation and advancement of equality in our state.
