The Universities of Wisconsin and state lawmakers have reached a deal that will provide pay raises for UW staff and fund a new engineering building at the University of Wisconsin Madison.
Republicans held up the release of $800 million in approved funds for pay raises until the university eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion positions. The legislature also had held up approval of building projects on UW campuses and as part of the agreement will move forward with approving them.
A statement from Speaker Robin Vos (R-Burlington) and Rep. David Murphy (R-Greenville) said the universities will reduce one-third of campus DEI positions throughout the state and freeze all positions, including DEI positions, in the universities system for three years. There are currently 43 DEI positions at the state universities.
“Our caucus objective has always been aimed at dismantling the bureaucracy and division related to DEI and reprioritizing our universities towards an emphasis on what matters – student success and achievement,” Vos wrote in the statement.
The universities also agreed to adopt policies so the top 5% of Wisconsin’s academic performers are guaranteed admission to University of Wisconsin-Madison and the top 10% of academic performers are guaranteed admission to all other UW schools.
During a press conference with reporters Friday, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin praised the compromise as a way to “reimagine” DEI initiatives.
“We talk a lot about bridging divides and the importance of doing that,” Mnookin said. “This is a compromise that I think does exactly that. And I want to be clear that it’s also a compromise that allows us to hold on to our core values, which include a commitment to diversity, inclusivity, belonging and excellence.”
Vos and Murphy said Legislative Audit Bureau will initiate an audit in 2025 to verify the Universities of Wisconsin and UW-Madison comply with the agreement.
