This afternoon, Executive Director José Evans tendered his resignation from the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. State officials did not comment on why Evans stepped down, but in a statement, they thanked him for his service, noting his contributions to advancing civil rights in Indiana.
Governor Mike Braun has appointed Philip Clay as the new Executive Director of the Commission. Clay, a longtime community leader in central Indiana, is described as bringing “both passion and energy” to the role. He is expected to work closely with the Governor and the Commission to continue strengthening civil rights protections across the state.
The resignation follows months of questions surrounding Evans’ leadership. Indy Politics reported earlier this year that multiple complaints had been filed with the Commission’s human resources department. Sources confirm that at least five employees raised concerns, with allegations that Evans fostered a hostile work environment.
Evans has denied the accusations. In a written statement provided previously to Indy Politics, he argued that he was brought in to reform and restore accountability at the Commission, an effort that disrupted “long-standing dysfunction” and drew resistance. “I stand by my record, and I welcome scrutiny—so long as it is honest, lawful, and rooted in facts, not fiction,” Evans said at the time.
Messages to Evans seeking further comment on his resignation were not returned.
For now, the agency shifts to new leadership under Clay, who inherits both the ongoing work of the Commission and the fallout from Evans’ abrupt departure. How the agency moves forward, and whether the allegations surrounding Evans are further addressed, remain open questions.
Indy Politics will continue to follow developments as they unfold.
