Title: UW Board Rejects Controversial Deal with Republicans Over Diversity Efforts
In an unexpected turn of events, the board overseeing state public universities has narrowly rejected a deal brokered by University of Wisconsin System leaders and Republicans over diversity efforts, building projects, and pay raises. The deal was voted down by the UW Board of Regents after a heavily-debated resolution on “reimagining” campus diversity efforts was put to a vote.
The rejected deal would have resulted in the restructuring of dozens of diversity staff positions into roles serving all students, and a freeze on the total number of diversity positions for the next three years. The compromise was created after months of negotiations over diversity, equity, and inclusion programming, which has been a contentious issue between campuses and conservative lawmakers.
The rejection of the deal was met with emotional discussion during the board meeting. Board members candidly shared their stories of discrimination, and some members, including Regent Angela Adams, expressed strong opposition to the deal, viewing it as insulting to historically excluded and underrepresented individuals in higher education.
Some of those who voted against the deal shared their personal experiences, such as Regent Ed Manydeeds, who is an enrolled member of the South Dakota Standing Rock Sioux tribe. Manydeeds recounted his time spent at a government-run school for Native children, detailing the loss of hope and sense of loss he felt, and pleaded with the board not to take hope away from others.
Board members who voted in favor of the agreement and Republican legislative leaders expressed disappointment in the rejection, with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos expressing his dismay that the employees of the UW System would be denied their raises.
Criticism of the deal had already begun before the details were officially announced, with concerns raised by legislators and campus communities over the priorities of the deal, and the impact it would have on students and faculty of color.
The rejected deal was crafted to include changes in the structure and hiring of diversity positions, as well as measures aiming to secure funding for capital projects and pay raises for employees. In addition to these terms, the deal also carried other substantial changes, including changes to the admissions process and requirements, as well as the removal of diversity statements from student applications.
The rejection of the deal marks a significant outcome in the ongoing battle over diversity initiatives and funding within the UW System, reflecting the deep divide between the university stakeholders, Republican lawmakers, and campus communities.