Vos wants to audit state diversity hiring practices

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Assembly Speaker Robin Vos wants to audit state agencies to further examine diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in Wisconsin.

The Rochester Republican said he plans to launch a comprehensive audit in January to find out how often inclusive hiring practices are being used in state government.

"What are the DEI, discriminatory practices that are somehow being employed in the state?" Vos said in an interview with CBS 58. "Is there a way to address those and guarantee those are truly based on the content of your character, not the color of your skin."

It's the latest effort by Vos after said he's not done working to eliminate DEI initiatives across the state.

Conservatives and Vos claim DEI efforts are a form of indoctrination. State agencies that make narrowly tailored decisions strictly based on race, gender, ethnicity, or other demographics should be avoided, Vos said.

It's an issue that has sparked a national debate after the Supreme Court ruled affirmative actions at universities, when race and ethnicity is considered a factor of admission, is unconstitutional.

Democrats argue diversity and inclusion programs are beneficial and make Wisconsin a welcoming place for people from diverse backgrounds.

Supporters of DEI have also warned that eliminating the practice could impact the state's ability to attract and retain workers.

Vos dismissed those concerns.

"It's preposterous, that's the problem with DEI," Vos said. "I think we should bring people from every possible background to be here in Wisconsin, but the idea we are only going to promote people because of their race, or we are going to target people to come to Wisconsin because they are smart or capable -- but only because the color of their skin is wrong."

A report by the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state's largest business group, said Wisconsin needs to attract more people due to low population growth. Wisconsin is currently one of 14 states with a median age over 40, according to the report.

Targeting DEI practices comes after Vos reached a deal with the Universities of Wisconsin on limiting diversity efforts in exchange for $800 million.

Part of that funding was released by a Republican-controlled legislative committee Tuesday to cover pay raises to thousands of UW employees.

Once an audit is complete, Vos indicated he wants to address the findings during the 2025-2026 legislative session.

When asked if he plans to withhold funding from state agencies if they don't eliminate DEI, Vos said, "anything is possible."