Campus diversity programs targeted as legal and political battles escalate

In June, the Wisconsin Legislature approved pay increases for the 34,000 employees of the Universities of Wisconsin. Months later, Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said legislators wouldn`t give final approval for the pay raises until the university system eliminates 188 positions — all the university system`s jobs Vos claims are dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. Last month, a GOP-controlled committee affirmed the decision: The approved raises would go to all state employees except those who work within the university system.

In response, Gov. Tony Evers sued the Legislature, calling the move an unconstitutional "legislative veto."

The ongoing battle represents an escalation in a decades-old debate about how universities should promote diversity within their student bodies, in campus programming and among faculty. And it comes as universities are still reacting to the June decision by the U.S. Supreme Court barring the consideration of race in student admissions...