UW-Madison and UW-Whitewater adjust diversity programs and offices

MADISON - At least two University of Wisconsin system schools have modified diversity offices or programming amid Republican lawmakers seeking to shut down DEI initiatives statewide.

UW-Madison adjusted a mandatory online program for incoming freshmen and transfer students that covers diversity and other topics. A question about white privilege has been framed more broadly and is no longer tied to a specific race, according to a review of program materials obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

At UW-Whitewater, the Office of Student Diversity, Engagement and Success has been dissolved. Employees who worked there are now working under different offices but have the same job responsibilities they did previously.

"Nothing has been closed," UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey King told the Journal Sentinel Monday. "It`s just work being reimagined and restructured."

The changes, however, worry some within the campus community.

UW-Whitewater assistant psychology professor Brandon Thomas said the moves amount to "capitulating" toward the Legislature`s "regressive policies and attitudes."...