Ivy Tech announces closing of DEI offices

'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.'

Ivy Tech President Dr. Sue Ellspermann issued a statement on Mon, Feb. 10, announcing that the school will be rolling back the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging following executive orders from a state and federal level eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In the U.S., Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, also known as DEI, are reorganizational frameworks that seek to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, particularly groups who have historically been underrepresented or subjected to discrimination based on someone's identity or disability. 

The changes come after several presidential executive orders, as well as proposed legislation in Indiana that would enact prohibitions for state educational institutions like Ivy Tech Community College regarding DEI, potentially jeopardizing state and federal funding. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging started at the college in 2019. Ivy Tech announced they will begin to sunset the Ivy Tech Office of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging starting March 5 as a way to guarantee funding the school needs to continue providing tutoring, emergency aid, student advising, disability services and other wrap-around services to all of their students.

The federal and state aid had not been impacted at this point and the move by the college was taken more as a precaution since the college is primarily funded by the Indiana General Assembly and through federal grants. 

Ellspermann said the college is committed to open access and meeting students where they are, making her confident that Ivy Tech's team will continue providing students with a welcoming environment, high-quality education and training, strong student support and services that support career success. Ivy Tech was founded in 1963 and is rated as being one of Indiana's most affordable colleges, with open access enrollment to all Hoosiers who want to further their education. 

“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,” Ellspermann said. 

Pictured above, Ivy Tech Community College campus in Logansport. There are 45 Ivy Tech locations in Indiana, including 19 full-service campuses, plus their 26 other satellite locations.