Wisconsin Assembly Approves Constitutional Amendment to Limit Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Efforts

The Wisconsin Assembly recently passed a constitutional amendment, backed by the Republican Party, that aims to restrict diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the state. The measure, which prohibits preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in state and local government, is the latest effort to target DEI initiatives nationwide. However, it is a long way from becoming law in Wisconsin, as it still needs to pass the Senate and the full Legislature, followed by a statewide vote to be added to the Wisconsin Constitution.

The Senate is only expected to be in session for a couple more days before ending its work for the year in March. Wisconsin Republicans have been proposing more constitutional amendments because they don’t require a sign-off from Democratic Governor Tony Evers, who has vetoed more bills than any other governor in state history. This has served as a block on the agenda of Republicans who have strong majorities in the Legislature.

The proposal passed on Thursday in the state Assembly would prohibit state and local governments, including the Universities of Wisconsin and local school districts, from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to anybody on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Hiring decisions would be required to be based on “merit, fairness, and equality,” a term conservatives have used as a counter to DEI.

Conservative backers of the constitutional amendment argue that these programs are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. Democratic supporters, on the other hand, say that these programs are necessary for ensuring institutions and government meet the needs of increasingly diverse populations. The measure’s sponsor, Republican Rep. David Murphy, said during debate that the amendment “restores merit, fairness, and equality in hiring.”

However, Democratic Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez derided the proposal as “divisive and manufactured” because it attempts to address problems she said don’t exist. The Assembly passed it on a straight party line vote, 62-35.

The Wisconsin measure is modeled after a state constitutional amendment adopted in Michigan in 2006 and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. The amendment is designed not to be in conflict with federal law, stating that it does not prohibit any action that must be taken to maintain eligibility for any federal program. There are numerous federal laws that already prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, nationality, or religion.

The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, a conservative law firm, is the only registered supporter of the amendment in Wisconsin. The only registered opponents are the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin and the National Association of Social Workers.

Consideration of the amendment comes after the Universities of Wisconsin agreed, under a narrowly approved deal reached with Republicans, to limit DEI positions throughout the system. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called the deal the first step toward eliminating what he called “cancerous DEI practices” and requested a review of diversity initiatives across state government.

The amendment is designed to prevent discrimination and promote fairness and equality in hiring. However, critics argue that it will have a negative impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state. They believe that these programs are necessary to ensure that institutions and government meet the needs of increasingly diverse populations.

The debate over DEI initiatives has been a contentious issue in Wisconsin and across the country. Some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, while others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society.

In conclusion, the Wisconsin Assembly’s approval of a constitutional amendment to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts is a significant development in the ongoing debate over these initiatives. While the amendment is still a long way from becoming law, it represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs. The passage of this amendment is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society, and it will be interesting to see how this issue develops in the coming months and years.

The debate over DEI initiatives has been a contentious issue in Wisconsin and across the country. Some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, while others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society.

The amendment’s supporters argue that it is necessary to restore merit, fairness, and equality in hiring, while its critics argue that it will have a negative impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state. The debate over DEI initiatives is complex and multifaceted, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs.

Ultimately, the passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

As the debate over DEI initiatives continues, it is important to remember that these programs are complex and multifaceted, and they serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality. However, it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is complex and multifaceted, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their role in society. It represents a clear statement of intent from the Republican Party in Wisconsin to restrict these programs, and it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts in the state and beyond.

The debate over DEI initiatives is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is important to consider all perspectives when evaluating the merits of these programs. While some argue that these programs are necessary to address systemic discrimination and promote equality, others believe that they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. It is important to remember that these programs serve an important role in addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality, but it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences of these programs and to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

The passage of this constitutional amendment in Wisconsin is a significant development in the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives and