U. Wisconsin-Madison Under Scrutiny Over Spending by Former Chief Diversity Officer

U. Wisconsin-Madison Under Scrutiny Over Spending by Former Chief Diversity Officer

The raises he gave to employees look particularly questionable.

FOX News reports:

University of Wisconsin-Madison’s ex-diversity officer scrutinized over spending, judgment amid DEI crackdown

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s former chief diversity officer displayed a “significant lapse” in judgment and fiscal responsibility, according to a report, as state and federal lawmakers seek to root out diversity, equity and inclusion programs in education.

Lavar Charleston was removed from his role as chief diversity officer in January, although he remains as a faculty member, according to local outlet FOX 6.

An internal report revealed that Charleston gave most of his employees raises from 10% to 23% without justification, as state lawmakers were attempting to crack down on DEI initiatives within the Universities of Wisconsin system, FOX 6 reported.

Records also show that Charleston spent $18,000 on massage therapy for students and $21,000 on a conference in the resort city of Lake Geneva, according to the outlet.

In December, Charleston said a former provost directed him to spend a $6 million surplus.

Charleston’s per-employee spending was the highest on campus, according to the internal report.

This comes as President Donald Trump seeks to end DEI programs across the country, including in higher education.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is among roughly 50 universities being investigated by the Department of Education over accusations of racial discrimination by allegedly excluding certain races from specific programs.

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