Ivy Tech ‘sunsetting’ its Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging
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Ivy Tech Community College has announced plans to sunset its Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging (DEB), according to a letter to students from President Sue Ellspermann.
Ellspermann cited recent executive orders from President Donald Trump to defund DEI initiatives, as well as proposed legislation currently going through the Indiana General Assembly that “would enact prohibitions for state educational institutions like Ivy Tech Community College regarding DEI.”
Last week, the Indiana Senate approved Senate Bill 289 by a 34-13 vote. The bill would prohibit mandatory DEI training in K-12 public schools and restrict DEI programs within state universities, according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
It would also bar colleges and universities in Indiana from funding DEI offices.
“The DEI worldview is trying to convince Americans that discrimination can actually be a good thing—so long as it’s the right kind of discrimination. I respectfully, but wholeheartedly disagree with that thinking,” said the bill’s author, Sen. Gary Byrne, R-Byrneville. “I think it pits people against each other, and it causes people to lose trust that they will be treated fairly.”
Ellspermann said the DEB office would close on March 12, noting that the decision is more of a proactive move.
“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,” she said in the letter.
A spokesperson for Ivy Tech said 31 employees across the college’s statewide footprint will be affected by the move. Ellspermann noted that they will be encouraged to apply for open positions at the college and will be given outplacement services support, including career coaching and resume building.
“Treating others with respect and understanding is engrained in the College’s core values of empathy, integrity, and accountability,” she said. “These same core values will help us move forward together as we help each other through this transition successfully.”
Ivy Tech Community College has 19 campuses and 26 satellite locations throughout Indiana. It is the state’s third-largest higher education institution with nearly 42,000 students enrolled in the fall 2024 semester, according to IBJ research.
You can read the full letter from Ellspermann below:
| Dear students, You have likely heard media coverage regarding the topic of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Several presidential executive orders have been signed to defund DEI initiatives. In addition, proposed legislation in Indiana would enact prohibitions for state educational institutions like Ivy Tech Community College regarding DEI. The College is primarily funded by the Indiana General Assembly and through federal grants and financial aid provided to you. As such, Ivy Tech must fully align with all federal and state laws and with the Governor, General Assembly, and federal government. It is with this backdrop that I announce the sunsetting of Ivy Tech’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging (DEB) effective March 12, 2025. 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. 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. The College is working with our affected team members; they will be encouraged to apply for open positions in the College and will be given outplacement services support including career coaching and resume building. Over the next 30 days, your campus leaders will provide updates to ensure you stay informed on changes specific to your campus. The College is committed to helping all navigate during this transition, so please reach out to your student life and student affairs representatives on your campus or other campus leadership with specific questions you might have. Treating others with respect and understanding is engrained in the College’s core values of empathy, integrity, and accountability. These same core values will help us move forward together as we help each other through this transition successfully. Since our founding in 1963 and core to our mission, Ivy Tech has served all Hoosiers. As Indiana’s most affordable, open access institution, we have been Hoosiers’ lifeline to quality postsecondary education. That will continue through the goals we have established in our Strategic Plan, Higher Education at the Speed of Life, which supports opportunity and success for all Hoosiers who would benefit from education and upskilling through our world class programs, courses, and certifications. Be assured; we will stay the course. Thank you for allowing us to serve you. |