Wisconsin University Regents Reject Republican Deal on Diversity Positions

The University of Wisconsin regents rejected a deal with Republicans that would have provided pay raises and funding for a new engineering building in exchange for reductions in staff positions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The deal, brokered by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, was narrowly rejected in a 9-8 vote. Critics argue that the move undermines diversity initiatives and creates a hostile environment on campus, while supporters claim it promotes ideological balance. The rejection of the deal has sparked a broader cultural battle over college diversity initiatives.