LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Indiana University has closed its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office.

According to a news release, the closure was effective Thursday. The university said it made the move to comply with new state and federal laws and guidance as it "prioritizes initiatives to provide students with universal access to resources, programs and services that support their success."

In January, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed an executive order to eliminate DEI programs in state agencies. The order replaced DEI in government with "MEI: Merit, Excellence, and Innovation," directed agencies to "examine policies and procedures to ensure compliance with recent Supreme Court ruling," and closes the Chief Equity Inclusion and Opportunity Office.

IU said some programs and centers have been integrated into other offices to provide resources universally to all students.

"The university continues to update and enhance student success initiatives," campus leaders said Thursday. "This includes efforts related to academic advising, engagement and student wellbeing."

The university's Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is now closed. It's also "directing campuses, schools and units to take necessary steps to ensure compliance with state and federal policies and guidance."

Additionally, the Office of Institutional Equity transitioned to become the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, which university officials said "more accurately reflects its work and mission to oversee the university's compliance with federal civil rights laws."

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump's Administration told all public schools across the country to cut DEI programs, or face losing federal funds.

Around the country, universities have come under increasing pressure to get in line with the political agenda of Trump’s administration, which already has frozen billions of dollars in grants for Harvard University, Columbia University and other colleges over allegations they haven't done enough to counter what the administration feels is antisemitism.

Trump’s calls to eliminate any program that treats students differently because of their race have brought new scrutiny of affinity graduation ceremonies. The Education Department directed colleges to distance themselves from DEI with a letter in February. It said a 2023 Supreme Court decision outlawing the use of racial preferences in college admissions also applied to areas such as hiring, scholarships and graduation ceremonies.

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