Wisconsin Audits Highlight DEI Oversight Issues

Audits ordered by Wisconsin Republicans reveal that both state agencies and the University of Wisconsin (UW) system failed to track millions spent on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, complicating assessments of these initiatives. These findings align with efforts by Republicans, including former President Trump, to roll back DEI programs at a federal level, and are expected to intensify pressure on eliminating DEI-related activities. The audits identified that while exact totals couldn't be determined, the UW system spent approximately $40 million on DEI-related offices, and $12.5 million on salaries related to DEI tasks. Similarly, twelve state agencies spent around $2.2 million on DEI-related salaries. The reports also highlight the absence of a consistent mandate from Governor Tony Evers' administration to ensure proper DEI plan implementation and documentation. Furthermore, UW-Madison, a significant focus of these audits, is under federal investigation for alleged racial discrimination and failure to protect Jewish students during campus protests.