UW-Madison Sunsets DEI Division as Positions Halve to 64 Amidst State Audit

Madison, WI

The University of Wisconsin-Madison announced on July 9 the closure of its Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement (DDEEA), a move that follows intense scrutiny over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin stated that a majority of the division's programs, leaders, and advisors will be relocated to other departments, including the Division for Teaching and Learning and the Office of Human Resources. The university affirmed that scholarships awarded through DDEEA programs to current and incoming students will not be impacted by this organizational change.

The decision comes amidst significant political pressure from state and federal officials targeting DEI efforts in higher education. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, a prominent Republican, lauded the university's action, remarking that he is "glad to see the UW System finally getting rid of this awful waste of taxpayer dollars." This sentiment aligns with a broader national push, including from the Trump administration, to eliminate federal support for DEI initiatives, with UW-Madison being among approximately 50 universities cited for alleged racial bias tied to DEI programming.

A state audit released in April estimated that the UW System spent approximately $40 million on DEI-related offices and activities, though it noted a lack of precise tracking. This financial oversight was compounded by controversy surrounding the former chief diversity officer, Lavar Charleston, who was removed from his post in January. An internal report revealed "a significant lapse in judgment and fiscal responsibility," citing unjustified raises for employees and substantial spending on items such as massage therapy for students and a conference.

The university system had already begun scaling back its DEI footprint following a 2023 agreement with Republican lawmakers. This deal saw the freezing of diversity hires and the reclassification of about a third of DEI roles into "student success" positions, in exchange for approved funding for staff raises and construction projects. Consequently, the number of full-time DEI-related positions across the UW System decreased from 123 in 2023 to 110 by May 2024, further dropping to 64 by March 2025.

Despite the structural changes, Chancellor Mnookin emphasized that "diversity of all kinds, including diversity of viewpoint and diversity of identity and background, remains a core value of our university." The university intends to continue supporting student cohort and support programs previously housed within the DDEEA, reinforcing its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.