Call to Action from the Justice, Equity & Belonging Committee
Posted: 2025-09-02 23:30:44 Expiration: 2035-09-14 23:30:44
Associated Students of Madison
333 East Campus Mall, 4301 Student Activity Center
Madison, WI 53715
Website: asm.wisc.edu Phone: 608.265.4276
E-mail: info@asm.wisc.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 September 2025
CONTACT:
Drew Wesson, Press Office Director
press@asm.wisc.edu
Call to Action from the Justice, Equity & Belonging Committee
MADISON, WI — In recent years, the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus has seen unprecedented changes in the institution's treatment of diversity, equity and belonging (DEI) initiatives. Since the Board of Regents’ 2023 deal that sought to reduce diversity, equity and inclusion activity on campus,1 university administration has made decisions that compromise direct avenues for the support of marginalized students. Several high-profile leaders of color within university DEI have been removed from their positions, including Associate Vice Chancellor for Identity & Inclusion Dr. Gabriel Javier, GSCC Director Warren Scherer,2 and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. LaVar Charleston.3 Following these reassignments, it was announced that the central body focused on academic DEI programs, the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA) would dissolve in July of 2025,4 with several roles shifting to other campus departments and existing financial support either at-risk for being eliminated or being eliminated entirely. At the same time, budget reductions threaten services including libraries and other academic resources, setting a precedent for the loss of student services that have long provided educational and physical support for all.5
These changes will make it harder for many to succeed and they will result in losses felt in daily life, impacting students’ sense of identity and belonging on campus. Students across campus have raised concerns about these issues, but possibly the most concerning aspect has been the lack of clarity and transparency from university administration about the future of DEI at UW–Madison. Although some of these changes have been announced to the student body, the language included offers ambiguous commitments to supporting marginalized students, while simultaneously eroding existing structures designed for that goal. Furthermore, many changes have happened behind the scenes, without student knowledge or input. These are clear infringements on the principle of shared governance, which is built into a Wisconsin state law that requires granting students decision-making power in the university, alongside the administration, faculty, and staff.6
The ASM Justice, Equity & Belonging Committee (JEB) stands firmly in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on the UW–Madison campus. Student cultural centers, academic programs and campus events centered on diversity are central to our institutional vision of creating a "vibrant campus community" with "a strong commitment to diversity."7 The historical gains in equity on this campus exist because marginalized communities refused erasure and organized relentlessly against the university’s shortcomings; the tradition we honor is not one of administrative generosity, but one of resistance.8 Our role is to ensure that equity is not treated as optional, but as essential to the life of every Badger on campus.
Committed to our mission, JEB issues a call to action for all UW–Madison students. The committee stands prepared to foster the development of equity-based student coalitions across campus. Coalition, collaboration, and collective action will leave us better prepared to defend the rights of all students to access support and foster a sense of belonging, particularly those who have been historically disenfranchised. True to the spirit of shared governance, we find power in championing student concerns and forging connections in committees such as the Campus Diversity and Climate committee, the Student Title IX Advisory Board and the Police Advisory Council. Beyond these formal channels, the committee calls for all identity-based and equity-oriented student organizations to prioritize dialogue with one another, as well as staff and faculty allies. We ask all students to support student cultural centers, affinity groups, and equity-based bodies on campus. Together, we will create spaces where advocacy, organizing, and solidarity can take root, as JEB continues to challenge institutional neglect, amplify student voices and mobilize against the undermining of equity. To support this work, JEB will meet biweekly at 6:30 p.m. starting Sept. 23, and invites all students committed to equity and belonging to attend.
We begin this year knowing community is our strongest resource. In solidarity, we will continue to defend what is vital: the right of every student to be seen, supported and to thrive.
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4 https://news.wisc.edu/chancellor-mnookin-on-expanding-pathways-for-student-belonging-and-success/
6 https://asm.wisc.edu/sharedgovernance/
7 https://strategicframework.wisc.edu/a-vibrant-campus-community/
8 https://reckoning.wisc.edu/index.html
-- Associated Students of Madison