University of Wisconsin regents back GOP deal for funding in exchange for limiting diversity efforts

By TODD RICHMOND
Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Universities of Wisconsin regents have approved a deal with Republican lawmakers to limit diversity positions in exchange for employee raises and funding for construction projects. The regents approved it by an 11-6 vote Wednesday evening. That action came days after the regents had voted down the proposal 9-8 on Saturday. Three regents who voted against the deal on Saturday flipped their stances Wednesday. The deal calls for freezing hiring for diversity positions through 2026, among other concessions. Republicans will release money for a 6% raise for 34,000 employees and construction projects, including a new UW-Madison engineering building.