Sen. Johnson Denounces GOP Efforts to Hinder Diversity in Wisconsin

MADISON – Following the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents vote on a deal proposed by Speaker Vos and Legislative Republicans, Senator LaTonya Johnson released the following statement:

“The decision to run for political office as well as choosing to remain an elected official has become more and more difficult for many people of color living in Wisconsin. As an elected official and person of color, my representation doesn’t limit itself to just my district but to the entire Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community. Especially, those communities who have no physical representative serving in the State Legislature. However, Wisconsin’s State Capitol isn’t the only place lacking diversity, equity and inclusion. Faculty, staff and student bodies in our educational systems–including our institutions of higher learning– face these issues as well.

“There are people and organizations across the state working tirelessly to change these dynamics, but there are those who are working equally as hard to maintain the status quo, including those in our State Legislature. This is done by passing legislation designed to make life more difficult, opportunities less frequent, and Wisconsin less welcoming for people and communities of color. Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to the health, well-being, and success of our entire state as well as recruiting young families and creating a stronger workforce.

“No significant changes have been made to Saturday’s failed resolution voted on by the Board of Regents. The only significant change is the number of veiled threats made by Republican Lawmakers regarding Regent members’ confirmation, denying UW system faculty and staff raises, and withholding millions of dollars in investments for much-needed campus improvements. Threats that are contingent upon what happens with the diversity, equity and inclusion provisions in this so-called deal. Similar threats were made to the City of Milwaukee regarding their department earlier this session.

“In the famous words of Maya Angelou, ‘When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.’ I think we have seen more than enough examples of who Wisconsin Republicans are.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.