UW Regents Reject DEI Deal, Disappointing Staff and Students

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents rejected a deal brokered with Republican leaders that would have restructured campus diversity efforts in exchange for $800 million in employee pay raises and building projects. The deal faced criticism for sacrificing DEI efforts and sending a negative message to students and faculty of color. Republicans sought to rein in campus hiring and roll back diversity programs, while the deal would have provided funding for capital projects and pay raises. The rejection of the deal highlights ongoing tensions over diversity, equity, and inclusion programming in higher education.