BLOOMINGTON – A forceful resolution, identified as H 3062, has been issued, strongly condemning Governor Mike Braun for his actions regarding the Indiana University Board of Trustees and the subsequent dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the university system.
James E. Sims, President of Monroe County NAACP Branch #3062 in Bloomington, stated in a news release that the resolution characterizes these moves as “politically motivated,” “dangerous, regressive, and deeply harmful to communities of color.”
Sims argues that the removal of DEI programs sends a “clear and chilling message: that inclusion, safety, and belonging for marginalized students, staff, and faculty are no longer institutional priorities.”
Concerns have escalated into an “environment of fear and anxiety,” particularly among Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Asian American individuals connected to the university. The resolution starkly asks: “When people feel they must hide their identities or silence their voices to remain safe, we must all ask: whose university is this, and who is it for?”
Adding to the alarm, the resolution also points to “escalating threats to First Amendment rights,” including the right to protest, raising serious questions about civil liberties on campus.
Call to Action
The statement issues a firm call to university leadership, elected officials, and community members, urging them to take immediate corrective action:
- Denounce these undemocratic overreaches.
- Reinstate and fund DEI work as a central part of higher education’s mission.
- Protect the rights to protest and free expression for all.
The NAACP concludes with a vow of resilience: “We will not be silent as our rights and presence are erased. The future of Indiana University must reflect justice, equity, and inclusion for everyone.”
Overhaul of the IU Board of Trustees
Governor Braun previously gained complete control over the nine-person IU Board of Trustees through a state budget provision, allowing him to remove and replace alumni-elected trustees at will. He subsequently appointed vocally conservative figures to the board and signed an executive order directing state agencies to eliminate DEI programs, prioritizing “Merit, Excellence, and Innovation” (MEI) instead.
The fundamental change stems from a provision added to the Indiana state budget bill signed into law by Governor Mike Braun in May 2025. This legislation completely restructured the governing board of Indiana University.
Key Changes to Board Composition
| Previous Structure | New Structure (Post-May 2025 Law) |
| Nine Members Total: | Nine Members Total: |
| Six members appointed by the Governor. | All nine members appointed by the Governor. |
| Three members elected by IU alumni. | Alumni Trustee Election is eliminated. |
| Student trustee served a two-year term. | Student trustee serves a 1-year term. |
| Governor had no statutory power to remove alumni-elected trustees. | The governor had no statutory power to remove alumni-elected trustees. |
