Rokita seeks more DEI info from Butler, Notre Dame

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Attorney General Todd Rokita is demanding more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at two private universities.

Rokita announced Thursday that he has issued Civil Investigative Demands to the University of Notre Dame and Butler University. He says both universities were asked to provide information on their DEI practices in May but “failed to provide anything meaningful.”

Rokita says he is trying to determine whether the universities are “engaging in racially discriminatory practices” that could affect their nonprofit status or violate the Indiana False Claims Act or the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.

“Racial discrimination of any kind in educational settings violates fundamental moral and legal principles that are enshrined in state law,” Rokita said in a release.

According to the attorney general, materials available on the universities’ websites suggest that some policies at Notre Dame and Butler may treat individuals differently based on race or ethnicity. These policies may influence admissions, hiring decisions, and the allocation of university resources.

Rokita says his investigation will assess whether these practices involve racial stereotyping or employ race negatively in decision-making processes.

“Treating people differently based on skin color has no place in our state. The universities’ responses to our investigations will determine whether further action is needed to vindicate Indiana’s commitment to equality.”

In May, DePauw University was also sent a letter concerning its DEI practices. According to Rokita, a review of its response is still ongoing.

About The Author

See author's posts