OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved a Republican-led plan on Wednesday to allow for wage increases for UW employees in exchange for freezing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) positions through 2026.
The vote came after the Board first rejected the same measure over the weekend in a 9-8 vote. As a result, roughly 35,000 employees will soon see the 4% wage increase they’ve been waiting months for.
Despite the result of the vote, officials say fostering an environment of inclusivity is and will continue to be a priority at UW-Oshkosh.
“We have to continue to focus and center what our mission and vision is,” Executive Director for Student Success and Belonging and University Diversity Officer Byron Adams said. “And at the end of the day we’re about student success, student achievement and making sure that students are getting the best possible experience.”
That may require some changes following the Wednesday vote to put a freeze on DEI positions while shifting some current positions to student success.
“We’re still kind of bridging that gap and kind of drilling down,” Adams said.
Adams said workforce development changes prompted the need to prepare for a shift even before the debate started in the state legislature.
“I think we’ve already kind of gone down this path to make sure we kind of reshape and reimagine maybe the day to day work that we do,” Adams said.
While that doesn’t guarantee there will be no changes, Adams believes the work has put everyone in a good spot.
“Multiple town hall events and just opportunities to voice our concerns and students as well.”
“The semester gets tough, classes get hard, you need some guidance here and there,” UW-Oshkosh senior Jaylen Grant said. “So I think this is a great place to find that.”
What won’t be changing is the presence of student organizations on UW-Oshkosh’s campus.
“Over 18 student clubs and orgs are dedicated to diversity and inclusivity, to just make students have a voice, students have a seat at the table,” Adams said.
“Definitely working in this building — these people have created events not just for the whole student body, but really minority students as well, and they do a really good job,” Grant said.
Grant didn’t speak specifically to the decision, though he says inclusivity efforts have gone a long way for his college experience.
“At a predominantly white institution, I think it gives students who do not fall in line with that a place to feel like they do belong and where they can go to when they feel they need help.”
According to 2022 data on their website, roughly 15% of UW-Oshkosh’s student body are students of color.
Adams said the diversity and inclusivity efforts also focus on veterans, first year students, and LGBTQ students, amongst other groups.
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