In a global economy, there is an imperative need to better understand differences. However, Wisconsin republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) is attempting an uninformed pursuit to destroy all efforts relative to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
In a State considered the most segregated State in the U.S., Wisconsin should be open to respectful discourse and education to improve understanding of differences.
Voss indicates DEI puts too much emphasis on race. Sociologists indicate there are three primary diversity factors…race, gender, and age.
Why primary factors- because they are visual characteristics we initially see. Clearly, race, gender and age are a part of diversity… but not all of it. Think about the secondary factors of diversity that we cannot see but numerously exceed three.
However, if you reside in Rochester, Wisconsin (97% white) thereis the possibility of being oblivious to population demographics and seeing no reason to respect or value it.
Vos recent political attempts to financially threaten the UW System if it does not comply with his request to abandon all (DEI) offices is reflective of “what you don’t know… you don’t know.” The UW System appears to have acquiesced to his suggested removal of DEI language in its hiring process. The public should be cognizant of thediversity statement by the UW System.
In reviewing the language used at UW Madison, the following is its Diversity Statement:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW–Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community.
We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin–Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background — people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
Voss indicated to save money all DEI offices should be removed from UW campuses. Budgetary review investigations indicate DEI expenditures account for less than .2% of the entire State budget. Does eliminating DEI educational efforts and expense save an abundance of money for the UW System or is it a blatant attempt to communicate and demonstrate inclusivity in the State of Wisconsin does not matter?
As the republican Assembly Speaker, Vos has the right to his political perspective regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, however, not challenging such a narrow view is complicit.
All college graduates are entering a workplace that is far more diverse than in the past and far more connected to the global economy than ever before.
In that environment, the capacity to collaborate effectively with diverse colleagues and clients is rapidly becoming the preeminent new business skill irrespective of your professional field of endeavor.
Many students today come to colleges and universities from communities which are more racially and culturally segregated than ever before (especially in Wisconsin). Interacting, managing, and working across racial, gender and cultural differences is fast becoming the signature professional skill of the 21st Century.
Education plays a leading role in broadening perception and perspective. Trying to eliminate educational efforts to be more informeddenies academic rigor and demonstrates a slow and uninformed world view. OK… “Forward Wisconsin”
—An anonymous Wisconsin citizen
Leave a Reply