Republican-led S.B. 289 absorbed S.B. 235 narrowly before its 2nd reading,
rendering 235 amendments obsolete according to ‘germane’ rule
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Marc H. Morial – President, National Urban League
About this month’s speaker:
As President of the National Urban League since 2003, Marc H. Morial has been the primary catalyst for an era of change and a transformation for the 100-plus-year-old civil rights organization. His energetic and skilled leadership has expanded the League’s work around an empowerment agenda, redefining civil rights in the 21st century with a renewed emphasis on closing the economic gaps between Whites and Blacks and rich and poor Americans.
Under his stewardship, the National Urban League has had record fundraising success and secured the Better Business Bureau nonprofit certification, establishing the National Urban League as a leading national nonprofit organization. He presided over the League’s centennial celebration in 2010, ushering in a new century of service and establishing empowerment goals for every division across the League and its affiliates. Morial’s creativity has led to initiatives such as the Urban Youth Empowerment Program, which assists young adults in securing sustainable jobs, and Entrepreneurship Centers in five cities to help the growth of small businesses. He also created the National Urban League Empowerment Fund, which has pumped almost $200 million into urban impact businesses, including minority businesses, through debt and equity investments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Morial led the Urban League in sounding the alarm about the racially disparate impact of the burgeoning coronavirus crisis, commencing an intense advocacy and direct relief campaign later to be called The Urban League Fights For You. Under his leadership, NUL also responded to the murder of George Floyd with advocacy, organizing, and policy actions, including 21 Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring Public Trust, a framework for criminal justice advocacy.
Perhaps one of Morial’s most significant contributions to the National Urban League’s legacy is the Urban League Empowerment Center in Harlem. The $242 million, 414,000-square-foot Urban League Empowerment Center is one of the most significant economic development projects in Harlem’s recent history – and a return home for the League that was founded in Harlem in 1910. The Center will serve as the headquarters for the National Urban League and be home to the Urban Civil Rights Museum Experience, New York City’s first civil rights museum, and the National Urban League Institute for Race, Equity, and Justice. The Center will also bring 170 affordable housing units to Harlem, below-market office space for nonprofits and community groups, including One Hundred Black Men of New York, United Negro College Fund New York, and the Harlem-based Jazzmobile, and retail space featuring Target and Trader Joe’s.
To Be Equal is a syndicated weekly opinion column distributed by the National Urban League to news outlets across the nation since 1963, when it was started as “the Voice of Black America” by National Urban League President, Whitney M. Young, Jr. The column has been authored by Marc H. Morial since 2003.
Biography Source: https://nul.org/
Purchase your ticket, mark your calendar, and plan for a stimulating conversation, and network during a delicious lunch.
Diversity is and will always be one of America’s greatest strengths: A diverse America is an
innovative and prosperous America.
Diversity is not about lowering standards or giving unfair advantages.
Diversity is about merit.
Diversity fosters unity, belonging, and opportunity in workplaces, schools, and communities.
Diversity brings a wide range of voices and perspectives, driving innovation and progress.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are the foundation of the American Dream, benefitting
individuals, communities, and the nation.
Diversity is about securing America’s future: a future where innovation thrives, prosperity is
shared, and our collective strength as a nation is amplified through the contributions of all.
What is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core American values and principles rooted in our nation’s history
of advancing “liberty and justice for all.” Diversity is supported by most Americans: 81% of
Americans believe that companies should reflect the racial diversity of the nation.
(Harris Poll/Black Economic Alliance Foundation)
Does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lower standards?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are NOT about lowering standards; the focus is on ensuring that all
who have merit have opportunity. In practice, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs remove
barriers to create equal opportunities for everyone.
Are Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs just quotas?
No. Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are not quotas. Quotas are prohibited in employment,
education, and other sectors. Quotas are illegal, but setting measurable goals are not. Instead,
diversity, equity, and inclusion programs focus on setting measurable goals, which are common in
business for driving progress. American businesses set goals for everything they do – earnings,
share price, growth rate – what gets measured gets done. Goals ensure accountability and help
create equitable opportunities without dictating hiring decisions or outcomes.
When the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action in college admissions, did that
decision make Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs illegal?
No. The Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard/ UNC
specifically addresses the consideration of race in college admissions decisions at those two schools
for qualified applicants – only. There is nothing unconstitutional about employer diversity, equity,
and inclusion programs or training programs, corporate or government commitments to racial
equity or diversity, targeted recruitment programs for underrepresented groups, or business goals
to improve diversity in contracting. Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs create opportunities,
promote fairness, and drive progress by fostering a broad range of talent and perspectives in
workplaces, schools, and communities.
Why is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion essential for America’s economic success?
Do businesses who focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lose profits?
No. More diversity means more profit. McKinsey’s latest research showed that in 2023 the bottom
25% of large firms in terms of ethnic diversity underperformed their peers by 24% and the top 25%
overperformed by 27%. Furthermore, the bottom 25% of firms by gender diversity underperformed
their peers by 31% and the top 25% overperformed by 18%.
Is “DEI” under attack?
Despite widespread support to advance racial and economic mobility for all, opponents of diversity,
equity, and inclusion have distorted its purpose, using online intimidation and racist rhetoric
reminiscent of segregationist eras.
Why does America still need Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs?
America still needs diversity, equity, and inclusion programs because they are essential to securing
our nation’s strength and leadership in an increasingly competitive world. As the world’s largest
economy, America’s success means ensuring equal opportunity for everyone, unlocking the full
potential of our diverse talent and perspectives to drive progress well into the 21st century.
IPS Board of Commissioners,
Today the African American Coalition of Indianapolis (AACI) hosted a press conference to address the concerns around the current legislation that could impact IPS schools.
AACI is a coalition of faith-based, civil rights, and community organizations that engage in policy and community concerns. We have not felt there has been any open discussions on those impacts, sharing of resources, and next steps.
Below are several questions that we feel the community needs answers to support IPS on our shared goals for quality education for all students in the IPS school district.
We are interested in your insights on the following questions and would appreciate a response by February 14, preferably in a public forum that we are happy to host. We want to emphasize this is in the spirit of community collaboration and transparency given that these conversations too often happen behind closed doors.
AACI Members In attendance
National Coalition of Black Women
Indianapolis Urban League
Great Indianapolis NAACP Chapter
Fathers and Family
You can watch the press conference on the AACI Facebook page:
Below is the press release issued for the AACI Press Conference hosted today (January 23, 2025) at the Indianapolis, Urban League.
African American Coalition of Indianapolis Press Conference with Questions for IPS Board of Commissioners on Legislation Concerning IPS
Indianapolis, IN (Thursday 23, 2025) – The African American Coalition of Indianapolis (AACI) is requesting a response from the Indianapolis Public School (IPS) Board of Commissioners on the critical questions surrounding legislation impacting the services of the public school organization.
Currently, the board has not addressed community concerns around the financial impacts of these bills if they move forward at the statehouse.
The AACI is a pillar in the community with a collective of over 20 civic-minded organizations that prioritize these key questions, provide comprehensive information to the community, and lead communication with legislatures. Join AACI members and other concerned community leaders for this emergency press conference.
NEW YORK (January 20, 2025) — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the reversal of President Biden’s executive order on racial equity on MLK Day:
“Four years ago, President Biden ushered in the most equity-focused presidential administration in U.S. history. Today begins the modern era’s most aggressive effort to erase racial progress and reinforce white advantage.
“That President Biden’s executive order on racial equity should be reversed on Martin Luther King Day goes beyond cruel irony. It is a deliberate mockery of the principles Dr. King championed and the hope that this day represents for millions of Americans.
“The National Urban Leage and other civil and human rights leaders will gather in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday for the Demand Diversity Roundtable, to strategize a robust, unified response to the oncoming attacks on diversity and equity.
“The National Urban League remains committed to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will not be deterred or discouraged, and we stand ready to defend these ideals whenever they are threatened.”
January 13, 2025
Dear Members of the Indiana General Assembly:
We write to you as a diverse coalition in our strong opposition to House Bill 1136. Our coalition represents a broad group across the state, including educational leaders, clergy, numerous nonprofit organizations, community members and leaders, and public education advocates. While we are dedicated to advancing practical solutions in the best interests of our children, HB 1136 is not one of them. It is a misguided proposal that will destabilize schools, silence communities, and jeopardize the future of public education in Indiana.
This bill dissolves several of the state’s largest public school districts, setting up new and separate school boards under an entirely reimagined set of rules and structures. Proposals like this continue to chip away at the traditional public school system guaranteed under the state constitution and serve over 90 percent of Hoosier kids.
Numerous additional school districts could be at risk at any point in the future should enrollment numbers shift. HB 1136 is the latest iteration of the constantly changing school governance models, which are brought forth under the guise of innovation but are not in the best interest of the children or communities they impact. Session after session, our children are the subject of unproven experimental policies that threaten the one vehicle for economic advancement – education.
Impact on Students
HB 1136 would disrupt classrooms, cut critical support services, and, most importantly, disrupt families. Students with disabilities, English language learners, and those who rely on free and reduced lunch programs would be disproportionately affected, as the schools they depend on are dismantled with no clear vision of how these actions will affect each of these communities. Our students deserve stable, well-resourced schools that meet their unique needs—not an unproven charter experiment.
Equity Concerns
HB 1136 unfairly targets high poverty districts and disproportionately affects African American students and other students of color. These communities have long faced systemic challenges, including underfunding and poverty—challenges that this bill ignores. Instead of addressing the root causes of educational inequities, HB 1136 further marginalizes districts that have faced ongoing social and economic challenges, further deepening disparities and undermining efforts to build an educational system that positively impacts all students equally.
This further outsources Hoosier tax money to fund private and frequently out-of-state charter companies that seek profit on the backs of Hoosier kids. We often hear charter schools are public schools, but the only aspect of them that is truly public is that they are taxpayer-funded. It stops there.
Much like the failed State Board of Education takeover that was scaled back and repealed just a few years ago, our concern is that after years of disappointing results, our students will be left with no recourse.
Local Control and Community Accountability
HB 1136 strips communities of their ability to govern their schools by eliminating locally elected school boards and replacing them with state-appointed boards. These boards, disconnected from the communities they serve, would have no accountability to parents, educators, or taxpayers. Local school boards are fundamental to ensuring that schools reflect their communities’ unique needs and values. HB 1136 undermines this vital connection, silencing the voices of those who know their students best.
Impact on Educators
HB 1136 creates uncertainty for teachers, threatening their jobs and contracts. By undermining collective bargaining protections, the bill risks destabilizing the teaching profession at a time when Indiana already faces a teacher shortage crisis. Instead of weakening support for teachers, lawmakers should focus on empowering educators whose expertise and dedication are essential to student success. This bill sends a troubling message that teacher voices don’t matter, jeopardizing the people who tirelessly serve our children and strengthen our public schools.
An Unproven and Unsuccessful Model
The state-controlled charter model proposed in HB 1136 has no track record of success in Indiana or elsewhere. Previous state takeovers and charter conversions in districts like Gary and Indianapolis have failed to deliver on their promises, resulting in instability and disruption rather than improvement. And above all, these actions have weakened parents’ voices in the well-being of their students. The legislature has acknowledged these efforts’ failure by repealing the state takeover law, yet HB 1136 doubles down on this failed approach.
Partnering for Public Education Solutions
Indiana’s public schools are the cornerstone of our communities. Instead of dismantling them, we urge lawmakers to work collaboratively with educators, families, community leaders, and our coalition to address the root causes of our schools’ challenges. This includes investing in equitable funding, addressing poverty, and supporting educators and students with the resources they need to thrive. Our coalition is dedicated to serving as a trusted partner in the legislative process, and we stand ready to provide meaningful solutions that focus on student achievement and advancement.
We call on you to reject HB 1136 and stand with the communities, students, and educators who count on you to protect and strengthen public education in Indiana. Public schools belong to the people—not the state—and their future must reflect the will and needs of the communities they serve.
Sincerely,
Members of the Indiana Educational Equity Coalition:
AFT Indiana
African American Coalition of Indianapolis
Anderson Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 219
Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Joseph Taylor Branch
Baptist Minister’s Alliance
Children’s Policy and Law Initiative of Indiana
Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis
Craig Leadership Services
Fort Wayne Urban League
Gary Teacher Union, AFT Local #4
Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance
Indiana Coalition for Youth Justice
Indiana Coalition for Public Education
Indiana Ministerium
Indiana PTA
Indiana State Teachers Association
Indianapolis Education Association
Indianapolis Urban League
MADVoters
Marion County Commission on Youth, Inc.
NAACP Fort Wayne/Allen County Branch #3049
NAACP Gary Indiana Branch 3050-B
NAACP Greater Lafayette Branch #3056
NAACP Greater Terre Haute Branch #3068
NAACP Indiana State Conference
NAACP Richmond Branch #3066
National Council of Negro Women – Indianapolis
University Alliance for Racial Justice
Urban League of Northwest Indiana
Citizens Energy Group is projecting that natural gas heating bills will decrease on average by about $14 for the five-month winter heating season.
Furthermore, Citizens’ average residential natural gas bill consistently ranks among the lowest of the 19 gas utilities operating in the state, according to monthly surveys done by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. However, with many households in Central Indiana facing financial challenges, we remain committed to providing assistance to those in need.
As the cold months set in, I wanted to share some crucial information about various financial assistance programs available to help our residents manage their utility bills this winter.
Citizens Energy Group has compiled comprehensive financial assistance information for the 2024-2025 home-heating season into a single document, available in nine languages, which can be accessed here. We also offer flexible payment arrangements, budget billing, and energy efficiency programs to help manage utility bills. For more information, please visit our website or call 317-924-3311.
Financial assistance options include Indiana’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP or EAP), which is now accepting applications and provides essential support for those struggling with utility bills. This program is often the best first step for residents seeking assistance. Please note that this season, the application period will close earlier than usual, on April 14, 2025.
While the EAP application review process can take several weeks, approval leads to financial assistance for natural gas and electric bills, as well as temporary protection from utility disconnection for non-payment. Additionally, Citizens customers who qualify for EAP will automatically receive a 10 to 25 percent discount on natural gas bills and a wastewater bill credit ranging from $6 to $15.
For Marion County residents who do not qualify for EAP but still need help with their utility bills, the United Way of Central Indiana’s Winter Assistance Fund (WAF) is available. The application period for WAF begins on January 1, 2025. Applications can be found here or by calling 2-1-1.
Additionally, Citizens Energy Group’s Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation™ provides financial grants, utility line/appliance repair and/or replacement, energy management education, and case management to individuals and families throughout the greater Indianapolis metropolitan area experiencing short- and long-term economic hardship. Those needing assistance, as well as those interested in supporting the Foundation, can learn more here.
We kindly ask for your support in spreading the word about these valuable resources to ensure that all eligible residents can benefit from the assistance available. Your leadership and outreach are vital in helping our community stay warm and safe this winter.
Thank you for your continued dedication and support.
Warm regards,
Jeffrey Harrison, President & CEO, Citizens Energy Group
NEW YORK (October 31, 2024) — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to allow voter purges to resume in Virginia:
“The extremists on the Supreme Court escalated their attacks on voting rights by allowing Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to remove registered voters from the voter rolls in clear violation of the 1993 National Voter Registration Act. This is yet another ruling by the Court that ignores established federal law in favor of blatant partisan attempts to keep our communities from voting. We have already seen this same outrageous tactic in Alabama and Texas where so-called ‘election integrity’ measures are being used to disenfranchise voters of color and other marginalized citizens.
“The National Urban League movement will not be deterred by these attacks. Our Reclaim Your Vote campaign has already engaged and registered thousands of voters across the country and will continue fighting to ensure our voices are heard in every community. We encourage all voters to check their voter registration status and make a plan to vote on or before Election Day. Virginia is one of 21 states where same day voter registration is available. To check your registration status and make sure your vote is counted at the ballot box, visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/d3500abc/YQ-2_zy-10e6F-1cwPjFcQ?u=http://www.reclaimyourvote.org/.
“In the event of any type of intimidation, voter suppression, or any other issues trying to vote, remain at the polling place and call the election protection hotline 1(866) OUR-VOTE for instructions on next steps. Stay and Reclaim Your Vote!”
INDIANAPOLIS, October 9, 2024
AT&T & Human-I-T Provide 250 Laptops and Backpacks to Indianapolis Families to Help Close the Digital Divide
As part of AT&T’s Connected Learning® initiative, nearly 250 Indianapolis students and families received free laptops and backpacks filled with school supplies today, thanks to AT&T*, Human-I-T, and the Indianapolis Urban League.
AT&T and Human-I-T provided the 250 refurbished laptops to preselected Indianapolis residents during an event at the Indianapolis Urban League – the site of an AT&T Connected Learning Center.
Families also received a new backpack filled with school supplies. The backpacks were assembled by AT&T employee volunteers as part of a national effort to bridge the digital divide and equip 20,000 students across the country with laptops and backpacks this fall.
“These laptops will be a game-changer for these Indianapolis families,” said Bill Soards, President, AT&T Indiana. “Connectivity has become a key to nearly every door of opportunity, but millions of Americans still don’t have access to technology or high-speed internet. We’re excited to help connect these families to new opportunities in our digital world, thanks to our collaboration with Human-I-T and the Indianapolis Urban League.”
In Indiana, it’s estimated that 13% of households don’t have access to the internet or connected devices at home that are needed to fully participate in the online world – an issue known as the digital divide.
“We appreciate the opportunity to embark on this latest collaboration with AT&T, a longtime supporter, in transforming lives for multiple generations through ownership of a laptop,” said Tony Mason, President & CEO, Indianapolis Urban League. “Owning a personal laptop, with Microsoft Office software for digital learning, will increase the digital literacy skills of our youth and adults, provide accessibility to apply for jobs and colleges, online banking, healthcare and school portals, and email – all with secure 24/7 access removing the barriers of library hours and restricted use of school and work-issued devices.”
Recipients of laptops will now have access to job search, obtain employment, receive telehealth services, connect with family and resources, and build the skills they need to thrive and succeed in life.
This is the second major donation of laptops to Indianapolis families and students this year. In April, AT&T and Human-I-T joined together to distribute 300 free laptops to students and families served by Indianapolis Public Schools and Indiana Youth Group to help bridge the digital divide.
It’s all part of the AT&T Connected Learning® initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to affordable, high-speed internet by 2030.
Today’s event was part of a series of AT&T and Human-I-T laptop distributions being held throughout the year in communities across the country.
“Human-I-T and the Indianapolis Urban League are united by a shared mission: to empower underserved communities through access and opportunity,” said Gabe Middleton, CEO, Human-I-T. “Our focus is on closing the digital divide by connecting individuals to the technology they need to thrive, while the Urban League builds bridges through strategic partnerships to uplift those in need. Together with AT&T, we’re creating a powerful alliance that will transform lives, support families, and strengthen the fabric of this community.”
Learn morea bout the AT&T Connected Learning Center at att.com/connectedlearning
View the full story at WISH-TV, click here
“We are proud to stand with Gleaners to help Hoosiers in our community faced with the challenges of food insecurity and living in food deserts”, Indianapolis Urban League President and CEO, Tony Mason, and honorary event chair for “Huddle Against Hunger”.
Indianapolis, October 4, 2024 – Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana announced today its new, exciting annual fundraising event, Gleaners Huddle Against Hunger, presented by the Indianapolis Colts. The event will be held on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium on Tuesday evening, October 15, 2024. All net proceeds will go directly and solely to Gleaners Food Acquisition Fund to acquire food for Hoosiers facing hunger in Gleaners’ 21-county service area in central and south-central Indiana.
The needs of people facing hunger are surging to well-above the record levels during the pandemic. As a result, Gleaners now must purchase nearly half of all food it provides people facing hunger, pushing its food acquisition budget from $2 million in 2019 to $7.7 million this year. Gleaners can buy about nine times what a dollar buys at a grocery store, and every dollar Gleaners receives can provide up to eight meals to people facing hunger.
“This event will be a unique opportunity to highlight the successful efforts being undertaken to fight hunger in our community and raise much-needed funds that will go directly to purchasing nutritious, high-quality food for our food-insecure neighbors,” said Fred Glass, President and CEO of Gleaners.
“As food insecurity and food deserts continue to be a challenge in our communities, organizations like Gleaners need our support more than ever before,” said Colts Owner & CEO Jim Irsay, an Honorary Chair for the event. “The Colts and Gleaners have a long history of partnership, and now we’re honored to join together again to raise vital funding to feed our friends, fans, and neighbors in need.”
Guests will enjoy an action-packed, gameday-like atmosphere with complimentary food and beverage, free parking, on-field activities, historic memorabilia from The Jim Irsay Collection, and engagement with the Indianapolis Colts. Premium sponsors and their guests will have a Colts Locker Room experience prior to the main event.
Will you join us in supporting this new and exciting annual fundraiser?
A limited number of general admission tickets will be available for the main event.
Some sponsorship opportunities also remain available. Contact glowry@gleaners.org for more information.
Honorary Event Chairs: Joe Breen (RMA Advisors), Andy Crask (Bank of America), Geordan Coleman (Bank of America), Scott Davison (OneAmerica Financial), Erin Dorsey (Dorsey Foundation), Gary Edwards (DEEM), Laura and Tony George, Jim Irsay (Indianapolis Colts), Colleen Juergensen (Kroger), Milele Kennedy (Gennesaret Free Clinic), Katie and Morgan Lucas (Lucas Oil), Joy Mason (Optimist Business Solutions) and Tony Mason (Indianapolis Urban League), Jackie Morris, Sara Fehsenfeld Morris (The Heritage Group), Dennis Murphy (IU Health), Bill Shrewsberry (Shrewsberry & Associates LLC), Jeff Simmons (Elanco), Jeff Smulyan (Emmis Communications), John Thompson (Thompson Distribution Co. Inc), Cassidy and Dan Towriss (Group1001), Roberta and Bill Witchger (Marian Inc.).
A limited number of general admission tickets will be available for the main event. Some sponsorship opportunities also remain available. Contact glowry@gleaners.org for more information.
About Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Inc.
Gleaners was founded in 1980 and is a respected leader within Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network. Since that
time, Gleaners has distributed nearly one billion pounds of food and critical grocery products through a network of three
hundred hunger relief agencies, schools and community partners serving Hoosiers facing food insecurity. In addition to food
distribution to agencies, we serve our most vulnerable populations, seniors, and children, through specialty programs such as
Gleaners2Go, Home Delivery, School-Based Pantries, and Mobile Pantries. Comprehensive outreach services (SNAP, Medicaid,
utility assistance, and more) and wrap-around services from collaborative partners are offered to help reduce the line.