UW System’s DEI funding debacle, explained

By Gabriella Hartlaub STAFF WRITER

Tackling diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs has posed a considerable challenge for Wisconsin state lawmakers and University of Wisconsin System leaders.

UW System diversity programs aim to cultivate a student body that reflects diverse backgrounds while ensuring greater enrollment opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, according to UW’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

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But discussions about UW System’s DEI program moved to the forefront of budget negotiations after the UW System was projected to be in a $60 million deficit by the end of the 2023-24 academic year.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos characterized diversity programs as a waste of taxpayer money that further racial divides, according to the Associated Press.

Vos estimated DEI initiatives cost the UW System $32 million per year and proposed that that same amount be eliminated from the UW System’s budget despite Wisconsin having a record-high budget surplus of nearly $7 billion.

“The university has gone from being an institute of higher education to an institute of indoctrination,” Vos said in May. “If they want to increase their funding, they have to show they can prioritize things to grow the economy, not grow the racial divide.”

How did Democrats and UW leaders respond?

Gov. Tony Evers and Democratic lawmakers swiftly rebuked Vos’ statements.

Evers said that the cuts were an example of “Republicans’ decade-long war on higher education institutions in our state” in a statement on Twitter.

UW System President Jay Rothman testified to state lawmakers in May that DEI programs are not only about race, but they also support students from diverse economic backgrounds, veterans and disabled students.

“We’re hopeful we can make our point that why investment in the UW system is an investment in the people of the state of Wisconsin,” Rothman said to

PBS Wisconsin.

How do DEI programs impact Wisconsin’s economy?

A Minnesota Department of Labor study shows DEI programs have economic benefits for the communities and businesses they are used in, and companies which fail to implement DEI policies find themselves lagging behind competition, unable to attract and retain quality workers.

The same is true for retention of students and future workers within the UW System, leaders say.

Lawmakers whose districts contain UW campuses also spoke out against Vos’ proposed DEI cut, including city of Madison alder and University of Wisconsin-Madison student MGR Govindarajan.

Govindarajan said cuts to DEI initiatives eliminate an array of beneficial jobs and positions.

”Some of [the DEI positions] might have been therapists and counselors who are affinity group related, or it might have been student affairs staff members who