The UW Board of Regents has approved a controversial deal with Republican legislators that will unlock over $800 million in funding for staff raises, infrastructure spending, and a new engineering building at UW-Madison. The deal, which was initially rejected and then approved in a re-vote, has faced criticism from Democrats, the UW-Madison student government, and members of the Legislature's Black Caucus, who argue that it is racist and discriminatory. As part of the agreement, the UW system will restructure a third of its diversity, equity, and inclusion staff positions, but no one will lose their job. The approval of the deal comes after intense political pressure and threats from top Republicans.
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.
The University of Wisconsin (UW) system has reached an agreement with Republican legislative leaders that includes pay raises for nearly 35,000 employees and $740 million for building projects. As part of the deal, the UW system will reduce its number of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) employees, reclassifying some roles as "student success" employees. Republican lawmakers also require a moratorium on hiring new administrators and DEI employees, the creation of an endowed professorship focused on conservative thought, and the elimination of certain programs. The agreement is pending approval from the UW Board of Regents, lawmakers, and Governor Tony Evers.
