In a controversial move, the regents of the Universities of Wisconsin have voted narrowly to reject a deal with Republican lawmakers that would have frozen hiring for diversity positions and scrapped an affirmative action faculty hiring program at UW-Madison. The deal, which was reached after negotiations led by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, also included the creation of a position at the flagship campus focused on conservative thought. The regents voted 9-8 during an emergency meeting to reject the deal, with Regent Dana Wachs expressing concern about the precedent it would set and emphasizing the need for a welcoming environment on campus.

Conservatives have long criticized the UW system as being too liberal, while Democrats have accused Republicans of holding employees hostage by blocking pay raises. They argue that diversity initiatives are crucial in enhancing the collegiate experience and identifying promising students from underprivileged backgrounds. The battle over diversity initiatives in Wisconsin reflects a broader cultural divide across the nation regarding these programs.

This recent rejection of the deal follows Republican lawmakers' earlier refusal to release funding for a new engineering building at UW-Madison. Furthermore, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos had blocked pay raises for employees until spending on positions promoting diversity was cut. Despite the state budget approved by Republicans this summer including a 6% raise over the next two years, Vos refused to allocate funding for the raises.

The rejected deal would have frozen hiring for diversity positions until the end of 2026 and shifted at least 43 positions to focus on "student success." Statements supporting diversity on student applications would have been eliminated, and a position focusing on conservative political thought would have been created at UW-Madison, funded through donations. Additionally, a program designed to recruit diverse faculty would have been scrapped.

Lawmakers would have released funding for the pay raise for UW employees and provided approximately $200 million for a new engineering building at UW-Madison, as well as money for dorm renovations at the flagship campus and UW-Whitewater.

Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman described the negotiations as difficult but stated that the deal would have helped the system continue to function. However, Democratic Governor Tony Evers' spokesperson, Britt Cudaback, referred to the governor's previous comments about withholding UW pay raises being “obnoxious” when asked for comment on the deal itself.

On the other side of the debate, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos defended the deal, stating that the emphasis on diversity has led to division, exclusion, and indoctrination on campuses. Vos has consistently aimed to prioritize student success and achievement over diversity initiatives.

Critics of the deal, including UW-Oshkosh journalism professor Vincent Filak, argue that it sacrifices the interests of the BIPOC community in exchange for building projects and low-end raises. The Legislature's Black Caucus expressed its disappointment with the diversity changes, questioning whether any Black or brown students were involved in the negotiations and criticizing the creation of a position focused on conservative thought as an attempt to silence others.

Moving forward, the deal will require legislative approval and must be signed into law by Governor Tony Evers. The Republican-controlled Assembly and Senate will play a crucial role in determining the fate of the deal, with the Senate's Republican majority leader, Devin LeMahieu, stating that the new engineering building should be built and that the state has the necessary funding for UW raises.

The rejection of the deal has sparked strong reactions from various stakeholders, with Assembly Democrats urging the regents to reject the deal and accusing Speaker Vos of undermining the universities and halting progress.

The universities' decision to reject the deal has highlighted the ongoing tensions and cultural battles surrounding diversity initiatives in higher education institutions. The fate of these initiatives in Wisconsin remains uncertain as the debate continues.