Indiana Ends Race and Gender Contract Preferences | Indianapolis News

Indiana’s governor Mike Braun has scrapped race and gender preferences in state contracts, citing a legal opinion from Attorney General Todd Rokita that such policies violate the Equal Protection Clause. Rokita frames the move as a bold step toward a colorblind, merit-based system, likening it to historic civil rights milestones. But critics—including lawmakers and minority advocacy groups—warn the change will hurt historically marginalized businesses, arguing these programs were essential to address systemic barriers. While Braun insists the shift ensures fair competition for all Hoosiers, opponents fear it reverses hard-won progress and undermines equity in state contracting. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/bdf1be1b8aad83bd