Wisconsin Audits Reveal Gaps in DEI Spending Tracking

Recent audits commissioned by Republicans in Wisconsin have uncovered significant lapses in tracking the spending of state agencies and the University of Wisconsin system on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The findings, which have sparked a broader debate on the future of DEI programs, suggest that millions of dollars were spent without clear accountability or documentation.

University of Wisconsin

The audits focused on the 2023-2024 fiscal year, revealing that neither the University of Wisconsin (UW) system nor the 15 state agencies reviewed had a system in place to track DEI-related expenses. While estimates suggest the UW system allocated around $40 million toward DEI activities, with significant amounts directed toward staff salaries and related programs, the lack of a uniform accounting structure made it difficult to assess the full scope of spending.

The reports also point to a lack of clarity in the definition of DEI across the state, with individual institutions launching their own initiatives without consistent oversight from the Board of Regents. The absence of detailed tracking and monitoring has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, who have long pushed to scale back or eliminate DEI programs. This includes efforts to discontinue federal government support for similar programs, with some GOP members calling such initiatives detrimental to societal progress.

The Push for Reform

The audits come at a time of heightened scrutiny over the role of DEI in education and government, particularly following actions taken by Wisconsin's Republican-led legislature. In 2023, a deal was struck to freeze new diversity hires, renaming several positions related to DEI to focus on “student success,” and suspending an affirmative action program at the UW-Madison campus.

Auditors found that the number of full-time positions dedicated to DEI within the UW system had decreased by 13% from 123 to 110 by May 2024, and as of the latest review, there are now just 64 such positions.

Government Response

Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, has emphasized the importance of DEI initiatives, signing an executive order in 2019 mandating that state agencies develop and monitor their own equity and inclusion plans. Despite these efforts, the audit has revealed significant gaps in ensuring these plans were effectively implemented and documented.

Kathy Blumenfeld, head of the Department of Administration, cautioned against drawing conclusions from the audit, clarifying that many of the DEI-related costs were linked to mandatory programs, human resources practices, and worker retention strategies.

As the debate over DEI programs continues, the future of such initiatives in Wisconsin remains uncertain. With Republicans pushing for the elimination of DEI-related activities, these audits may further intensify calls to reevaluate the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in public institutions.