A recent audit conducted by Wisconsin’s Legislative Audit Bureau (WLAB) has revealed significant shortcomings in how the University of Wisconsin system and several state agencies have tracked expenditures related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Covering fiscal year 2023-2024, the audits highlighted a lack of precise record-keeping, forcing WLAB to rely on estimations for spending. The audit of University of Wisconsin institutions suggests an approximate outlay of $12.5 million on salaries for staff whose roles explicitly involve DEI responsibilities. Further, it estimates that $40.2 million was spent on offices with functions connected to these programs; however, the report emphasizes that not all of this funding was exclusively dedicated to DEI efforts.
The findings come as the University of Wisconsin-Madison is undergoing a reduction in its DEI programming following an agreement reached with Republican legislators in 2023. Prior to this agreement, the university maintained 123 full-time positions focused on DEI; that number has since decreased to 60.
The situation at UW-Madison is further complicated by the recent removal of former Chief Diversity Officer LaVar Charleston in January. The university cited a “significant lapse in judgment and fiscal responsibility” as the reason for his dismissal, though he remains on faculty.
Beyond the University of Wisconsin system, WLAB’s audits of state agencies uncovered similar issues. The report indicates that approximately $2.2 million was spent on salaries for 47 DEI-related positions across 12 agencies.
Furthermore:
- An estimated $705,300 was allocated to cover salary costs associated with employees’ participation in DEI training mandated by Executive Order 59 and the Department of Administration (DOA) in 2023.
One challenge identified by WLAB was the overlap in expenses between agencies and the university, making it difficult to determine precise spending figures.
The audit also noted deficiencies in reporting compliance. Agencies often failed to consistently report corrective actions to the Department of Administration, while the DOA did not always ensure agencies addressed these issues. Additionally, most state agencies neglected to submit required annual progress reports pertaining to DEI between 2021 and 2023.
These audits were initiated by Republican lawmakers as part of a broader review of spending on equity programs launched in May 2024, spurred by comments from Assembly Speaker Robin Vos expressing the intention to curtail DEI initiatives. The move aligns with national trends, particularly efforts spearheaded by the Trump administration to reduce or eliminate DEI programs across various sectors, including higher education.
“This review is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in how taxpayer dollars are spent on these programs,” stated a representative from the Republican caucus.
