UW-System President Allegedly Floated the Idea of Resignation if Recent Deal Over Funding and DEI Didn't Pass

Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 -- 9:01 AM

(Kelly Meyerhofer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman knew the vote on a deal over campus diversity efforts was critical.

According to Kelly Meyerhofer with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, in fact, in the days leading up to it, he floated resigning if the vote failed, according to UW student Regent Evan Brenkus.

"During our sessions over the past few days, the System President, Jay Rothman, alluded to resignation depending on the outcome of today's meeting," Brenkus wrote in an email to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Spokespeople for Rothman did not immediately return requests for comment Monday asking whether Rothman was considering quitting.

The Regents voted 9-8 Saturday to reject the deal Rothman had negotiated with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Burlington, who objected to campus spending on diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI. Those in the majority said the deal sold out students of color in exchange for state funding.

Those in the minority said it was the best option in a bad situation. The deal called for restructuring 43 DEI positions, freezing the total number of UW positions through 2026, creating a new UW-Madison faculty position focused on conservative thought and making changes to its admissions process. In exchange, universities would have received $800 million for pay raises and building projects.

Vos has held up both projects despite the Senate Republican caucus strongly supporting them, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, said last week. Brenkus, who did not respond to emails requesting an interview, described Rothman's exit from the emergency meeting Saturday as "disrespectful and abrupt."

He said the vote striking down the deal showed Rothman was misaligned with the board on what is in the best interest of universities. "I'm eager to see if he follows through (with) his threat," Brenkus wrote.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers appointed Brenkus, an Oneida student enrolled at UW-Green Bay, to the board last May. Brenkus is one of several regents of color who delivered stirring speeches Saturday urging their fellow board members to reject the deal.

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