Madison, Wis. — In a surprising turn of events, the Universities of Wisconsin regents have reached an agreement with Republican legislators to address staff raises and construction projects by limiting diversity positions at the system's two dozen campuses.
Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and Assembly Republican Speaker Robin Vos were instrumental in brokering this deal. Speaker Vos expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating that this is just the beginning of the GOP's efforts to eradicate what he referred to as "cancerous DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) practices on UW campuses."
However, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers expressed disappointment and frustration with the regents' decision. In a lengthy statement, Governor Evers accused Speaker Vos of using bullying tactics during the negotiations and criticized his disdain for public education at all levels. The governor vowed to ensure that UW campuses remain inclusive and accessible to all individuals.
According to CBS Madison affiliate WISC-TV, Governor Evers believes that the vote signifies an overreach by Republicans in the Legislature.
The Regents Approve Controversial Plan Amidst Backlash
After a tumultuous five-day period, the regents have passed a plan in a video conference with a vote of 11-6. This decision comes after the board initially rejected the deal on a 9-8 vote over the weekend, sparking complaints from Democrats who believed it would negatively impact minority and LGBTQ+ students and faculty.
However, a closed-door regents meeting on Tuesday, led by Rothman, resulted in three regents changing their stance and voting in favor of the proposal on Wednesday. Karen Walsh, Amy Blumenfeld Bogost, and Jennifer Staton initially opposed the plan but stated that they needed more time for deliberation. After reviewing and discussing the deal, they ultimately changed their votes.
"So why are we voting again? It was clear last Saturday that the board did not have sufficient time to discuss this document," Walsh said.
Republican Chris Kapenga, president of the state Senate, had threatened to not confirm regents who voted against the deal. Bogost is the only regent who flipped their vote and is currently unconfirmed.
Statements from Both Sides
Regents who voted against the proposal expressed concerns about making financial decisions outside of the state budget process, fearing that it would set a dangerous precedent. They also questioned what concessions Republicans might demand in the future in exchange for funding.
"I strongly disagree with the basis of this agreement," expressed Angela Adams, who opposed the plan on two occasions. "I did not become a part of this board to be involved in political maneuvering. In my opinion, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus should not be traded for money."
The proponents of the deal maintain that campuses will continue to prioritize promoting diversity. However, they argue that the system requires funding to progress and provide students with opportunities.
"Politics is an integral part of decision-making, unless we prefer to live under tyranny," stated Bob Atwell, who voted in favor of the deal both on Saturday and Wednesday.
The state budget approved by Republicans and signed by Evers last summer included a 6% salary increase for approximately 34,000 university employees over the next two years. However, Vos prevented the GOP-controlled Legislature's employment committee from releasing the funds, aiming to pressure the regents into reducing the number of positions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Vos argues that such initiatives only foster division. This dispute reflects a larger cultural conflict surrounding college diversity programs occurring nationwide.
Evers has strongly criticized Vos and Republicans for withholding the funding for raises. In October, he filed a lawsuit with the Wisconsin Supreme Court, asserting that lawmakers had exceeded their authority by blocking the funds.
Chancellors who spoke before the vote Wednesday expressed confidence that campuses could continue their efforts to make underrepresented students feel welcome, even with fewer positions dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
"We must continue to press forward, and we can make this work," said UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey King.
Other campus leaders expressed concern that rejecting the deal would lead to deeper cuts from the GOP-controlled Legislature.
"For example, some could say, 'If they don't need these funds for raises or buildings or operations, what else can be reduced?'" said UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone.
Associated Students of Madison, UW-Madison's student government group, expressed disappointment with the vote and vowed to hold UW officials accountable for their promise to continue diversity efforts.
Terms of the deal
The approved deal calls for lawmakers to release funds for raises and campus construction projects, including a new engineering building in Madison.
In return, the regents will freeze hiring for diversity positions until 2026 and reassign at least 43 current diversity positions to focus on "student success." Campuses will also be required to remove statements supporting diversity from student applications. UW-Madison will have to end an affirmative action faculty hiring program and create a new position focused on conservative thought.
In a highly polarized political climate, finding a way forward and reaching compromise is crucial for progress. This was the sentiment expressed by Rothman, highlighting the necessity of moving beyond the current state of polarization. "We live in a political environment," Rothman said. "It is not shocking to say we live in a polarized state. ... In that context, if you're going to move forward, if you're going to make progress, you have to find a way forward to find compromise. And I think that's what we did in this process."
Strong Criticism
Despite efforts to persuade regents to reject the deal, Democrats faced harsh criticism from State Rep. Dora Drake, the chair of the Legislature's Black Caucus. Drake condemned the plan during a news conference at the state Capitol, calling it a "systematic racist deal" that is discriminatory towards students, faculty, and staff of color. She emphasized that their experiences should never be commodified or marginalized. "This deal is part of a systematic racist deal and it is discriminatory," Drake said. "It is discriminatory toward students, faculty and staffs of color because their experiences should never have a price tag and should never be bought out."
Kaul spokesperson Gillian Drummond and Ozanne did not respond to emails regarding the review of Drake's allegations.
Jill Underly, the State Department of Public Instruction Superintendent and a regent, did not vote on Saturday or Wednesday. Her office stated that she is on vacation in Europe with her elderly mother.
Underly requested the regents to reschedule the vote due to unreliable internet service, but her request was not accommodated and she did not appear on the video conference.
Bogost was present from Thailand, while UW-Superior Chancellor Renee Wachter joined the conference from an airport.
