Wisconsin System Scales Back Diversity Initiatives in Deal with Republicans

The agreement, criticized by some as a sell-out, secures funding for pay raises and a new engineering building in exchange for reducing diversity-focused positions.

The University of Wisconsin system has reached a deal with Republican lawmakers to scale back diversity initiatives in exchange for funding.
The deal includes a freeze on hiring for diversity positions through 2026, the elimination of an affirmative action faculty hiring program, and the creation of a position focused on conservative thought.
In exchange, lawmakers will release funding for pay raises for UW employees and about $200 million for a new engineering building on the UW-Madison campus.
The deal has sparked criticism, with the Legislature's Black Caucus stating they are 'appalled and ashamed' at the diversity changes.
The deal still requires legislative approval and could be vetoed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.