Gov. Mike Braun plans to visit Martin University following a meeting with Black faith leaders.
The Feb. 3 meeting came after more than two dozen people gathered outside the governor’s office last week to protest Braun’s executive order eliminating state DEI programs and his proposed budget, which did not include funding for Martin University.
In this week’s meeting, Black faith and community leaders expressed to Braun why Martin University is important to the Black community in Indianapolis. The college is the only predominantly Black university in Indiana and primarily serves nontraditional students.
“It must have been pretty convincing for the governor, because something swayed in that meeting,” said Lionel Rush, the president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Greater Indianapolis, who organized last week’s rally and attended this week’s meeting.
A spokesperson for Braun confirmed that a visit to Martin is being scheduled, but did not provide additional comment to Mirror Indy in time for the publication of this story.
“I think we’ve got enough common ground to where we’re going to come out to something positive from this,” Braun told WISH-TV Monday. “I think there was more eye-to-eye after we started comparing notes on background.”
Martin University is a private university, and does not typically receive funding from the state. However, unlike other private schools, Martin offers wraparound services other schools don’t typically offer, like free childcare and pre-K, and is significantly cheaper than other private colleges.
Around 83% of Martin’s students are Black, according to fall 2023 federal enrollment data.
In 2023, the state appropriated a one-time $5 million grant to Martin over two years, which the college used to attract and retain Black students to its STEM, law enforcement and teaching programs.
Martin’s also had financial problems in the last few years. A 2023 audit found that “substantial doubt exists about the university’s ability to continue” due to low enrollment, increased borrowing and a 2022 cyberattack that damaged the university’s records.
However, Braun did not resolve all of the concerns raised by Black faith leaders during their meeting this week. Rush said he asked the governor to define “merit,” as in merit, excellence and innovation — Braun’s replacement for DEI — and Rush said that Braun did not have a concrete answer.
“Why would you do that?” Rush asked. “What’s so important about MEI that makes it more superior? I never got that answer.”
Braun, through a spokesperson, did not comment on Rush’s remarks.
In his Jan. 29 State of the State, Braun said MEI represents a “level playing field” for Hoosiers.
“Diversity and equality are hallmarks of what we believe as a country, but these top-down DEI mandates led to division and inefficiency,” Braun said during the address. “MEI puts merit and results at the forefront, and everyone has the chance to get ahead with hard work.”
Going forward, though, Rush said his group plans to stay in touch with Braun, and is cautiously optimistic that they can reach an understanding.
“What I believe from that is he is willing to come where we are and to learn,” said Rush. “We said we are willing to come where he is and learn.”
Claire Rafford covers higher education for Mirror Indy in partnership with Open Campus. Contact Claire at claire.rafford@mirrorindy.org or on Instagram/X/Bluesky @clairerafford.
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