AG Rokita secures first-of-its-kind $1.2M settlement with state contractor Deloitte over discriminatory DEI practices

Submitted by Office of AG Todd Rokita

Under the leadership of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, Indiana has secured a landmark $1.2 million settlement with Deloitte – the first of its kind between a state and a government contractor – to resolve allegations of unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.

Deloitte, a global firm specializing in audit, tax, and consulting services, agreed to the payment after claims that it violated the False Claims Act. The company allegedly certified compliance with Indiana’s nondiscrimination requirements while continuing discriminatory employment practices based on race and sex.

Rokita

“There is no justification for unlawful discrimination, even when a business claims good intentions or cloaks its practices in the language of DEI,” AG Rokita said. “Treating people differently in the workplace based on race or sex is destructive and illegal. Companies that do business with the State explicitly pledge not to engage in it. We will continue to vigorously enforce Indiana’s False Claims and Whistleblower Protection Act and work to eliminate illegal DEI discrimination in all its forms.”

The settlement marks the latest step in AG Rokita’s ongoing efforts to root out unlawful DEI practices in state contracting. Last year, his office updated Indiana’s standard contract language to explicitly prohibit discriminatory DEI practices and implemented new policies requiring outside counsel to refrain from such programs. Enforcement of those anti-DEI policies is now underway, with today’s agreement serving as an important milestone.

This action also complements the Attorney General’s work to eliminate the State’s unconstitutional Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise Program.

Deloitte has simultaneously resolved similar claims with the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Florida.

Click here to read a copy of the settlement.