The deal calls for a hiring freeze of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) positions through 2026, among other concessions. Republicans will release already-approved money for a 6% raise for 34,000 UW employees and for capital projects, including a new UW-Madison engineering building. The Board of Regents initially rejected the deal in a vote of nine to eight on Saturday. What this deal does not do is reverse the hundreds of layoffs that have already been announced at four Universities of Wisconsin campuses since October, as a result of structural budget deficits. UW-Parkside will eliminate about 50 full-time positions through layoffs and voluntary retirement. UW-Platteville announced it will remove 111 positions. UW-Oshkosh is laying off 140 employees, with an additional 76 taking voluntary retirement.
