Indiana Ending Race and Gender-Based Preferences in State Contracting

Governor Mike Braun and Attorney General Todd Rokita are ending Indiana’s race- and gender-based preferences in state contracting, saying businesses should compete on a level playing field.

Braun announced the change after Rokita issued a legal opinion saying parts of the state’s Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises program violate the U.S. Constitution.

The program, created in 1983, gave certain goals and preferences to minority- and women-owned businesses when state agencies awarded contracts.

Rokita argued those requirements unfairly treated people differently based on race or sex.

Braun says the state will now move to a system based on qualifications, performance, and competition.