The University of Wisconsin system and several state agencies have failed to specifically track spending on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Wisconsin The Legislative Audit Bureau (WLAB) recently revealed.

The audit covers fiscal years 2023-2024. Due to the lack of tracking, the state government agency WLAB was forced to estimate the agency’s spending on these plans.

WLAB said in an audit of the University of Wisconsin institution that the system estimated that the system spent $12.5 million in salary for employees in DEI-related positions. Additionally, WLAB estimates that the university spent $40.2 million “on an office with responsibilities related to diversity, equity and inclusion.” However, WLAB clarified that not all of this funding is dedicated to DEI.

University of Wisconsin-Madison former diversity officer reviews spending

The university has already cut its efforts to reduce DEI after reaching a deal with Republican lawmakers in 2023 to limit DEI-related positions. When the deal was concluded, the university had 123 full-time positions for DEI. Auditors found that by May 2024, the number had dropped to 110 and now it has dropped to 60.

The University of Wisconsin Law School allegedly held a mandatory workshop requiring students to share racial slurs and direct “color blindness.” (Educational Images/Universal Image Group By Getty Images)

In January, the university removed its chief diversity officer, Lavar Charleston, due to “significant lapses in trial and financial responsibility,” said Lavar Charleston, a senior official. Fox 6Reportedly, it is a local branch. When Charleston removed from his DEI position, he remained a member of the university faculty.

In an audit of state agencies, WLAB found that 12 agencies spent about $2.2 million in salary in 47 positions related to DEI. WLAB also estimates that 23 institutions have spent approximately $705,300 in salary expenses for “the diversity, equity and inclusion time required for the 59th or DOA of 2023.”

The Wisconsin Capitol dome in Madison, Wisconsin. (iStock)

Diversity, equity, inclusion courses require nearly $2 billion in taxpayer costs nationwide: Research

One challenge pointed out by WLAB in its report is that both these institutions and universities have overlapping costs, so it is difficult to accurately calculate the expenses on the DEI program.

The WLAB also found that agents failed to report on their efforts to correct violations to the Department of Administration (DOA). However, at the same time, the DOA does not always require these agencies to take action on such issues. Additionally, WLAB found that “most agencies” did not submit all annual requirements to the DOA, which was from 2021 to 2023.

The UW-Madison web page is specifically focused on “Halloween Cultural Awareness,” which states that students should avoid “racist, rough or culturally insensitive clothing.” (University of Wisconsin)

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The audit was ordered by state Republicans who conducted a comprehensive review of spending on the fair plan in May 2024. Associated Press. This is a comment by Republican Congress Speaker Robin Vos, who vowed to end the Dei Initiative at the end of 2023. The move is in line with the Trump administration’s efforts to lift Dei out of all aspects of American life, including higher education.