Indiana Ends Race-Based Contract Preferences | Indianapolis News

Indiana’s governor is scrapping race and gender preferences in state contracts, replacing them with a “merit-based” system he claims ensures fair access for all businesses. Backed by the Attorney General—who called the old system unconstitutional—this shift follows a review that found such preferences violated the Equal Protection Clause. While a new small business initiative is planned, community advocates and certified M/WBE owners warn the move ignores systemic barriers and risks erasing hard-won credibility, especially for minority and women entrepreneurs. With the state’s supplier diversity portal reportedly inactive, business leaders are watching closely to see how this change impacts Indiana’s economy and the companies that depended on the old framework. 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/f47dc3c9c76125fe