Wisconsin Republicans deny UW System staff pay raises over diversity funding

All other state workers will see a 6 percent raise over the next 2 years

Half of state workers, about 34,000 people, will not be getting pay raises included in the state budget, as a Republican-controlled committee on Tuesday approved a 6 percent raise over two years for all but those who work for the University of Wisconsin System.

The exclusion is a flashpoint in the ongoing fight over diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, has vowed to block more than $100 million in funding for raises unless the universities eliminate all DEI positions.

Vos has criticized DEI programming as an attempt to "indoctrinate" students with taxpayer dollars. Universities have taken steps in response to the criticism, including no longer asking potential faculty to describe how they have used their work to further diversity, equity and inclusion...