UW System Strikes Deal With Vos On Diversity, Equity Measures
The University of Wisconsin (UW) and Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos have recently reached a deal that will end the months-long blockade of pay raises for approximately 34,000 employees. The agreement aims to address concerns about campus diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Under the terms of the deal, GOP lawmakers have agreed to release around $800 million for employee cost-of-living raises and approve building projects that were previously rejected by Republicans.
One of the key provisions in the agreement requires the UW to freeze the number of positions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion through 2026. This would result in a reduction of 43 staff members in these areas. Additionally, the UW-Madison campus will discontinue its Target of Opportunity Program, which was designed to hire more diverse faculty and staff. Instead, the campus will introduce a new program focused on recruiting faculty regardless of their ethnic backgrounds and gender identity.
Furthermore, the UW will support a Republican proposal to automatically admit the top academic performers from high schools across the state. This means UW-Madison will admit the top 5 percent of high school students, while other campuses will admit the top 10 percent.
An additional aspect of the deal involves seeking private funding to establish an administrative chair position at UW-Madison. The chair will focus on conservative political thought, classical economic theory, or classical liberalism, based on the interests of the prospective donor.
In a joint statement, Speaker Vos and Rep. Dave Murphy expressed their satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting their concerns about the perceived division, exclusion, and indoctrination on campuses. Speaker Vos emphasized the importance of reducing negative influences in public higher education institutions and redirecting focus towards student success and achievement.
During a press conference, UW President Jay Rothman and UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin praised the compromise as an opportunity to reshape and improve DEI initiatives. Chancellor Mnookin acknowledged the difficulties caused by the pay raise blockade and expressed her belief that the compromise upholds the university’s commitment to diversity and excellence.
President Rothman viewed the agreement as a consensus between Speaker Vos and the Universities of Wisconsin, hoping it would positively impact the relationship with the legislature moving forward. The Board of Regents is expected to officially approve the deal shortly.
The turmoil surrounding the pay raises began when Speaker Vos announced his intention to block the raises in September. This move was an attempt to pressure administrators to eliminate DEI programs and staff. As a result, Gov. Tony Evers filed a lawsuit claiming the blockade was obstructing basic government functions but it remains uncertain how the compromise will affect this legal action.
Speaker Vos has been highly critical of campus DEI staff and initiatives, describing them as promoting overt racism. While Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu did not support the pay raise blockade, he acknowledged the speaker’s objectives and suggested a compromise was imminent.
The Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus expressed disappointment with the removal of DEI from educational institutions, questioning the inclusivity and interests considered during negotiations. Assembly Democrats also voiced their concerns, describing the GOP’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion as attempts to instigate cultural conflicts.
The agreement represents a significant development in the ongoing debate over campus diversity, equity, and inclusion. As Wisconsin aims to enhance student success while addressing concerns about these programs, a delicate balancing act is required to meet the needs and expectations of all stakeholders involved.
