"University of Wisconsin and Republicans Strike DEI Deal, Funding New Engineering Building"

The University of Wisconsin (UW) system has reached a deal with GOP leaders to restructure its diversity efforts by freezing the total number of diversity and administrative positions for the next three years and reassigning staff to positions serving all students. In exchange, UW would receive $800 million for pay raises and building projects. The deal also includes changes to hiring programs, mandatory free expression orientation, and increased transparency in admissions. Democrats criticized the compromise, accusing UW of sacrificing diversity efforts for buildings. The deal awaits approval from the UW Board of Regents, the GOP-controlled Legislature, and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.