At noon, Rothman and Mnookin videoconferenced with Vos. The deal called for restructuring 43 DEI positions to focus on broader student success efforts. In exchange, lawmakers would approve the pay raises, fund the engineering building and reverse a $32 million budget cut.
“Frankly, I think it’s a reasonable compromise deal in both directions – though we are still not over the finish line and so til that happens … who knows?” Mnookin texted a friend around 1:30 p.m.
The Journal Sentinel and other media outlets reported on the proposed terms, which had yet to be officially announced. State Democratic lawmakers urged students to contact board members and declare DEI non-negotiable.
“I am concerned that others will frame this agreement, and we will not look good,” Diana Harvey, the UW-Madison vice chancellor for strategic communication, texted Mnookin around 4 p.m. “I hate the fact that we are surrendering the narrative on this.”
The chancellor’s inbox filled with opinions. One alumna said UW-Madison would survive without new buildings, but could not survive giving up its principles. The email’s subject line itself was a plea.
“Please don’t.”