Diversity, cultural training at UW could halt Wisconsin’s state budget

The University of Wisconsin System budget request has $4 million set aside for diversity training.

The money would be spent creating curiculum and hiring staff.

That mandatory training for diversity, sensitivity and cultural fluency for faculty, staff and students might halt the budget.

A handful of Republican senators say that is one of a few items they need changed before casting vote.

UW-La Crosse chancellor Joe Gow says it was his understanding the training would just take place at UW-Madison.

Reports say the Senate doesn’t have the necessary votes to pass the legislation.

Speaker of the House Robin Vos said Thursday, the list is a ransom note and, as far as the House was concerned, the budgeting process is over.

The budget was initially due July 1.