In September of 2023 UW System funding became contingent on the reduction of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives and positions. The Republican controlled state legislature initially withheld $32 million in funding for the UW system, arguing DEI programs were unnecessary.
Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly Robin Vos argued DEI is a waste of public funding and that the university should be focused on other priorities.
In budget negotiations, Universities of Wisconsin agreed to restructure DEI programs and personnel in exchange for the release of funding and previously promised salary raises for employees.
Now the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has released its plan to “reimagine and realign” DEI functions.
On March 13 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse students received an email from Dean of Students Kara Ostlund informing the student body of an email initially sent to faculty and staff from the Chancellor’s Office.
The message from the Chancellor’s Office provided updates about changes UWL will make to comply with Wisconsin Legislature and Universities of Wisconsin per the agreement reached in December of 2023.
Key steps currently underway to “reimagine” the DEI division include establishing an Office of Civil Rights & Compliance, updating job descriptions, and renaming existing initiatives at UWL.
The name changes include:
- The Division of Diversity & Inclusion will become the Division of Access, Belonging & Compliance (AB&C).
- The ACCESS Center will become the Disability Resource Center.
- The Center for Transformative Justice will become the Center for Civil Dialogue and Civic Engagement.
The email stated, “Over the next several weeks, you will see updates to the UWL website, email signatures and physical spaces to reflect these changes.”
Final remarks in the email from the Chancellor’s Office were, “We are living in changing and uncertain times and recognize the impact that this uncertainty has on many of our community members. I offer my deepest appreciation to everyone for your continuing focus on our mission, our students, and the Wisconsin Idea. I remain committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of our community. Thank you for your continued dedication and support during these uncertain and changing times.”
