FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release
Tuesday, February 18, 2025

 African American Coalition of Indianapolis further questions devastating public education legislation and education reformers

Indianapolis, IN (Tuesday, February 18, 2025) – The African American Coalition of Indianapolis (AACI) is now directing questions of concern to education reformers as legislation that would dismantle Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) moves forward at the statehouse. Previously the AACI asked IPS board of directors to weigh in and they have cooperated with the community to get answers, while organizations that would seemingly benefit from this legislation have remain silent. AACI is a pillar in the community and a collective of over 20 civic-minded organizations and prioritizes these key questions and providing comprehensive information to the community and lead communication with legislators.  The AACI is asking the below questions to the education reformers and legislators who are advocating for these bills.

1. Proficiency scores on English Language Arts and Math for all schools are concerning. How will taking money from Black and Brown IPS and affiliated innovation and charter schools improve the system? Shouldn’t the advocacy be focused on more funding for all students instead of taking funding from IPS schools and its affiliated innovation and charter schools?
2. Education reform organizations like Rise Indy, Hoosiers for Quality Education, and Stand for Children have made substantial contributions to IPS school board races. What is the goal of these contributions?
3. Charter schools in Indianapolis seem to close frequently with a third closing in Marion County. What actions are being taken to prevent school closures, or do you believe school closures are a benefit to the students and the system as a whole?
4. Where do the tax dollars go when charter schools close?
5. One authorizer has approved 5 schools that have yet to open. Why are schools approved without having the necessary funding for transportation and facilities to sustain operations identified?
6. IPS has a long history of collaborating with education reform initiatives. When did your organizations engage IPS on proposals that would dissolve the board?
7. It is our understanding that the Mind Trust has attempted to negotiate a deal with IPS to agree to a host of changes. Why does the Mind Trust have standing to negotiate this matter? Why is the Mind Trust involved in these negotiations when the discussions should be between IPS and the legislature?

DEMAND DIVERSITY ROUNDTABLE CALLS FOR URGENT MEETING

WITH CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS

Ahead of Senate Vote on Anti-DEI Bill in Education,

Indiana Coalitions Sound Alarm on Censorship & Discrimination

Republican-led S.B. 289 absorbed S.B. 235 narrowly before its 2nd reading,

rendering 235 amendments obsolete according to ‘germane’ rule

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Senate is set to vote Thursday on Senate Bill 289,‘Nondiscrimination in employment and education.’ This bill regurgitates proposed federal, anti-DEI legislation and would impact state agencies, school corporations, and universities by increasing the administrative burden for nondiscrimination programs, prohibiting requiring certain kinds of training, and eliminating their DEI programs and practices. Additionally, if enacted, this bill would limit how companies who receive state contracts can pay for DEI training and limit DEI programs at certain health organizations. In a last-minute, legislative sleight-of-hand, the Indiana Senate merged S.B. 235 into S.B.289, creating a single sweeping bill that eliminates DEI programs, censors discussions on race and gender, and shuts down efforts to address systemic discrimination. By invoking procedural rules, they silenced amendments for S.B. 235, forcing the Senate into an all-or-nothing vote on a radical censorship measure. During discussion, Senator Shelli Yoder condemned the merger, stating: “It is a bad precedent to take a bill and amend it into another bill when other amendments addressing both were already proposed,” Senator Yoder explained. “The amendments for 235 will now most likely never be heard and we wanted to be able to debate both policies and good policies for the state of Indiana.” Senator Andrea Hunley, who proposed amendments to make the bill less burdensome on teachers, implored her Republican colleagues to hear the extremism of the bill as written. “Our educators would have to post all instructional and curriculum materials that deal with nondiscrimination, diversity, equity, inclusion, race, ethnicity, sex, and bias – which are not defined in this bill – already causing confusion.” Senator Hunley continued by citing an example of an existing state standard in Indiana. One of the required lessons in high school History is to be able to describe and assess President Benjamin Harrison’s contributions to national policies on environmental protections, business regulations, immigration, and civil rights…How can you teach that standard without talking about race? This misguided piece of legislation would impact a wide range of Hoosier community members, including faculty, staff, and students of universities, school corporations and charters, as well as employees of state agencies. The choice to combine S.B. 235 and S.B. 289 shut Hoosier citizens’ out of the civic process, with many of the constituents opposing the legislation citing concerns over extreme censorship the bill would cause in the state’s struggling education system. “Erasing discussions of systemic inequality dismantles efforts across Indiana to move toward inclusive, culturally responsive environments for our youth, perpetuating negative representations of our history and hides uncomfortable truths,” Meisha Wide, Executive Director of the Children’s Policy and Law Initiative of Indiana (CPLI) said. “It is a blatant attempt to take Indiana backward by silencing the voices that support marginalized members of our community.” “The bill combines the worst aspects of its predecessors – it’s not about fairness or neutrality—this is state-sanctioned censorship,” Dr. Russ Skiba, leader of University Alliance for Racial Justice (UARJ) added. “Banning discussions about systemic racism and oppression sends a clear message from lawmakers to their constituents: they do not want an informed, inclusive, or honest Indiana.” States that have passed similar laws—like Florida and Texas—have already faced corporate backlash, faculty resignations, and lawsuits. Indiana is now on the same path. Business leaders have warned that suppressing diversity makes the state less competitive, pushing away talent, investments, and economic growth. “Our mission is to cultivate and maintain that world-class environment for businesses to operate and contribute to that economic growth and prosperity for the state,” Indiana Chamber’s President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders said in a June 2024 Inside Indiana Business interview. “We prioritize attracting, retaining, training, (and) supporting our workforce. Having a diverse workforce and thinking through these issues is something[our members] care a lot about.” The Indy Chamber’s 2025 Legislative Priorities cites sobering statistics for the already-dwindling state of Hoosier labor resources. Indiana faces a critical talent gap, with 140,000 unfilled jobs today and only 110,000additions to the skilled workforce projected between 2025 and 2050. Despite being a top 10 importer of college students, the state struggles with retention, losing34,000 graduates annually within a year of degree completion, placing it in the bottom 10 nationally. Senate Bill 289 will receive its third and final reading this Thursday, February 6, 2025 at1:30 PM—and it could pass if Hoosiers don’t take action. Indiana cannot afford to be on the wrong side of history—again. Here’s what Hoosiers can do now: Call your legislators and demand they vote NO on this dangerous bill. Show up to the Statehouse Thursday to protest the final vote. Spread the word on social media – share why this bill is bad for Indiana. The time to act is now. Indiana cannot afford to be on the wrong side of history – again.

Join the Indianapolis Urban League for an engaging event at

The Economic Club of Indiana luncheon series.

This month’s speaker is the

President of the National Urban League, Marc H. Morial.

Save the date!

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Get ready for a luncheon filled with stimulating conversations and delicious food.

Reserve your seat, tickets and more info at: https://ow.ly/QBE350UOQBp

#EconLunch #EconClubIN #Indianapolis #Indiana #CivilRights

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:

https://link.edgepilot.com/s/8036930d/iR6e_Hi98UeLdQ9YxmDrrw?u=https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18Rw4cv5Bp/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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.

1. How will sharing funding with unaffiliated charter schools impact IPS’s traditional school operations, transportation, and support for its innovation schools?
2. How does the presence of 11 charter school authorizers impact IPS?
3. How does IPS currently support charter schools in the district?
4. SB 518 would require the sharing of property tax dollars collected after a referendum. Given the frequent closing of charter schools will IPS request the ability to claw back tax dollars from closed charter schools?
5. How do HB 1136, HB 1501, and SB 518 work to ensure all students in IPS, in the IPS boundary, and Indianapolis are served well?
6. Who from our community is supporting these legislative efforts and why hasn’t our community been engaged to help find solutions instead of, once again, actions being done to us and not with us?
7. Ultimately, who benefits and who is burdened by these policies?

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE:

REVERSING RACIAL EQUITY ORDER IS A MOCKERY OF MLK’S LEGACY

Civil & Human Rights Leaders Gather Wednesday to Plan Policy Response

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.”

Indiana Educational Equity Coalition

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  SHARES

WINTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS IN OUR COMMUNITY

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

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE:

SUPREME COURT RULING VIOLATES FEDERAL LAW;

VOTERS REMINDED TO CHECK REGISTRATION

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!”