Wisconsin University Regents Reject Republican Deal on Diversity Positions

The University of Wisconsin regents have rejected a deal with Republicans that would have provided pay raises for employees and funding for a new engineering building in exchange for reducing staff positions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The regents voted 9-8 against the deal, which had been brokered by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. Republican lawmakers had previously blocked pay raises and funding for the engineering building, while conservatives criticized the university system for its perceived liberal bias. The rejection of the deal reflects a broader cultural battle over college diversity initiatives.