Wisconsin Republicans focus on diversity initiatives with new review of DEI efforts in the state

The audit committee in Wisconsin, controlled by Republicans with a 6-4 majority, decided to conduct a review of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in state government. Democrats on the committee opposed the initiative, which came after Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos pledged to combat DEI initiatives. Vos successfully pushed to remove DEI practices from University of Wisconsin campuses and reached an agreement with the university system to halt diversity hires. State Auditor Joe Chrisman explained that the review will assess agency compliance with the order, the cost of compliance, and the outcomes achieved. Governor Tony Evers’ spokesperson criticized Republicans for using the audit bureau for political purposes. Despite Vos’s strong stance against DEI initiatives, a Republican committee member stated that the review aims to ensure proper use of taxpayer dollars. Opposition to DEI initiatives is not exclusive to Wisconsin, as Republicans in other states like South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Florida have also taken action against such initiatives.