MADISON – Tomorrow, the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents will be voting on a proposal from Assembly Republicans that trades the enumeration of building projects and pay raises for institutional cuts to diversity, equity and inclusion. Legislative Democrats released an open letter in opposition to this agreement and encourage others to express their disapproval by signing on. Representative Joers released the following statement:
“This entire negotiation is setting a dangerous precedent for higher education in Wisconsin. When we devalue a portion of our community, we are failing our community as a whole. There is no question that this deal is wrong for Wisconsin. For far too long Republicans have used marginalized communities as a pawn. I’m disgusted that the Speaker is insisting on doing so once again, and I am disappointed that the leadership of the Universities of Wisconsin is accepting this injustice.
“Our top priority should always be ensuring that every member of our community understands the important value they hold. Using communities of color as a bargaining chip does the opposite. This is a decision that will have deep-rooted consequences for years to come. I urge the Board of Regents to reject this disingenuous deal.”
