In a recent development, University of Wisconsin officials have reached an agreement with Republican lawmakers that will result in freezing hiring for diversity positions, eliminating an affirmative action faculty hiring program, and creating a position focused on conservative thought at the flagship campus. The deal comes after Republican lawmakers demanded the removal of diversity initiatives or risk losing funding for raises and other resources.

The move to freeze hiring for diversity positions is slated to continue until the end of 2026. As part of the compromise, at least 43 diversity positions will be redirected towards enhancing "student success." Additionally, statements supporting diversity on student applications will be eliminated. These changes reflect a broader cultural battle unfolding across the country surrounding diversity initiatives in higher education.

Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who played a crucial role in brokering the deal, explained the rationale behind the compromise, stating that the objective of their caucus was to prioritize student success and achievement, while dismantling what they perceive as bureaucracy and division related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Critics argue that diversity initiatives play a vital role in creating an inclusive collegiate experience and identifying talented students who may come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Earlier this year, Republican lawmakers refused to release funding for a new engineering building at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Furthermore, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos blocked pay raises for university employees until spending on diversity positions was reduced. This was despite the state budget, approved by Republicans, which included a 6% raise over the next two years.

Behind the scenes, Vos and university officials have been working on a compromise, which was revealed on Friday. As part of the agreement, the University of Wisconsin-Madison will create a position focused on conservative political thought, funded through donations, while ending a program aimed at recruiting diverse faculty.

In exchange for the compromise, lawmakers have agreed to release funding for pay raises for university employees. They have also committed to providing approximately $200 million in funding for a new engineering building on the UW-Madison campus, as well as funds for renovating dormitories at the flagship campus and UW-Whitewater.

While university officials claim that this deal will ensure the system's continued functioning, the announcement has drawn criticism from various quarters. Vincent Filak, a journalism professor at UW-Oshkosh, expressed disappointment, stating, "We just sold out a lot of the BIPOC community in the UW system for a couple of building projects and some low-end raises."

The agreement must still be approved by the Board of Regents and will require legislative approval, with Republicans controlling both the Assembly and Senate. If approved, it will then be presented to Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, who will have the power to veto or sign it into law.

The Legislature's Black Caucus has strongly condemned the diversity changes, questioning the inclusion of Black and brown students in the negotiations. They criticized the creation of a conservative thought position, viewing it as a means to stifle opposing voices and push political agendas within higher education.

While university officials asserted that diverse stakeholders were involved in the negotiations, no further comments were made regarding the nature of their involvement. President Jay Rothman expressed hope that the agreement would help repair the system's strained relationship with Republican legislators, emphasizing that the deal was a result of compromise.

The Board of Regents is expected to review and vote on the deal in a hastily arranged meeting on Saturday morning.