Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Under the Microscope in Wisconsin
The LA News Center has reported that Wisconsin’s Legislative Audit Committee has embarked on a comprehensive review of the state government’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This move comes after the Assembly’s top Republican, Robin Vos, vowed to eliminate such efforts.
A Growing Trend
Conservatives nationwide have been targeting DEI programs, with Republican lawmakers in around 24 states proposing bills to restrict them. Speaker Vos, a staunch opponent of diversity initiatives, has pledged to end them in state government. He has characterized these programs as “cancerous” and advocated for a “truly colorblind” society.
The Scope of the Review
State Auditor Joe Chrisman has outlined the objectives of the review, stating that it will assess agencies’ compliance with Governor Tony Evers’ 2019 executive order mandating DEI plans. The audit will also examine the costs of compliance and the outcomes of these initiatives.
The probe will encompass cabinet-level agencies, the state Department of Justice, executive branch entities, and the state university system.
Political Polarization
The audit has sparked political debate in Wisconsin. Republican co-chair of the audit committee, Senator Eric Wimberger, has defended the move, claiming that legislators have a responsibility to ensure the wise use of taxpayer funds. “This audit has clear goals to examine the administration’s DEI initiatives, including their costs and achievements,” Wimberger stated.
Meanwhile, Democratic members of the committee, Senator Tim Carpenter and Representative Francesca Hong, have accused Vos of using the audit to foment political divisions ahead of the November elections. They have expressed concern that the audit will be exploited as a justification for eliminating diversity programs statewide.
Defying the Governor
Governor Evers has also criticized the audit, with spokesperson Britt Cudaback tweeting that Republicans are attempting to misuse the audit bureau for partisan purposes. The audit’s launch comes shortly after Vos compelled the University of Wisconsin regents to halt diversity hires, rebrand diversity positions as “student success,” and eliminate UW-Madison’s affirmative action hiring program.
Conclusion
The LA News Center will continue to monitor the progress of the DEI audit in Wisconsin. The outcome of the review is likely to have significant implications for diversity and inclusion initiatives in the state and beyond.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
