UW Systems Announced a Funding Deal With Legislature

Universities of Wisconsin leadership on Friday announced a proposed deal from the Republican-led state Legislature that would unlock funding for the school system with some conditions, including a freeze on diversity, equity and inclusion positions. Under the deal, the state Joint Committee on Employment Relations and Joint Committee on Finance would approve UW employee pay raises, a $32 million workforce development plan, and funding for projects including a proposed new engineering building at UW-Madison. In exchange, the Universities of Wisconsin would agree to freeze the number of diversity, equity and inclusion positions across system schools. Additionally, at least 43 DEI positions would be realigned “to areas with a primary focus on academic and student success.” The freeze would remain in place through 2026. The Joint Finance Committee in June cut $32 million for the system from the state budget, with Vos citing an effort to avoid supporting the DEI programs. Gov. Tony Evers used his veto power to save the positions and restore the funding. The UW Board of Regents is scheduled to meet, discuss and possibly approve the deal on Saturday at 10:10 a.m.