Universities of Wisconsin Regents to Reconsider GOP Deal Linking Diversity Cuts to Funding

The contentious proposal, previously rejected, would exchange diversity position reductions for employee raises and construction project funding.

The Universities of Wisconsin regents have decided to vote again on a deal with Republican lawmakers that calls for reducing diversity positions in exchange for funding to cover employee raises and campus construction projects.
The deal, which was rejected on a 9-8 vote Saturday, would require the universities to freeze hiring for diversity positions through the end of 2026, shift at least 43 current diversity positions to focus on 'student success' and eliminate statements supporting diversity on student applications.
Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has blocked a 6% raise for the university system’s employees in an effort to force the regents to reduce the number of positions that work on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has filed a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court arguing that lawmakers have overstepped their constitutional authority by blocking the raises.
Associated Students of Madison, UW-Madison’s student government group, blasted the regents’ decision to vote again, stating that the deal tarnishes the student experience and disparages the prospect of belonging at the university for those from historically underrepresented communities.