University of Wisconsin regents OK funding deal critics say sells out minorities and LGBTQ+ people

Madison, Wis. — In a surprising about-face, the Universities of Wisconsin regents approved a deal Wednesday evening with Republican legislators to limit diversity positions at the system's two dozen campuses in exchange for money to cover staff raises and construction projects.

Assembly Republican Speaker Robin Vos, who brokered the deal with Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman, tweeted that the plan is the first step in a continuing GOP effort "to eliminate these cancerous DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) practices on UW campuses."

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers issued a lengthy statement after the vote saying the regents' decision has left him disappointed and frustrated. He accused Vos of negotiating by bullying, saying the entire affair was motivated by his disdain for public education "at every level." The governor promised that he would "make damn sure" that UW campuses work for everyone.