Ivy Tech closes diversity office in response to pressure from President Trump, Indiana lawmakers

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Ivy Tech Community College is closing its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging in response to pressure from President Trump and Indiana lawmakers. 

The statewide community college system, which educates more than 66,000 full- and part-time students, will close the office March 12, according to emails to staff and students sent Monday.

“While state laws and federal actions are not yet finalized, the College is acting now to protect our federal and state funding so we can ensure uninterrupted services and provide ample time for adjustment in our operations,” Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann wrote to students. 

Colleges and universities across the country have been eliminating and rebranding DEI programs in recent days in the face of intense pressure. Ivy Tech appears to be the first Indiana institution to publicly announce plans to close its diversity office. 

Some Ivy Tech staff who work on diversity equity and belonging will lose their jobs, while the college system will change the responsibilities and job descriptions for other workers, according to the email to staff. 

“Because the College is committed to open access and meeting you where you are, I am confident that our team will continue to provide you with a welcoming environment, high quality education and training, strong student support and services and co-curricular opportunities that support transfer and career success,” Ellspermann  wrote.

Ellspermann, a former Republican lieutenant governor, is expected to retire in June. She said the closure was a response to state and federal policy.

President Trump has signed multiple executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion policies since taking office, including specifically targeting universities. At the same time, Indiana state lawmakers aim to ban diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in state government and public schools.

Contact WFYI education reporter Dylan Peers McCoy at dmccoy@wfyi.org.