Wisconsin Democrats pushed back against a potential ballot initiative that would prevent the government from discriminating against people based on race as the initiative faces its second round of voting in the legislature.
If approved by voters, the constitutional amendment would prohibit “governmental entities in the state from discriminating against, or granting preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, public education, public contracting, or public administration,” according to a summary from the Legislative Reference Bureau.
Conservative groups in the state have applauded the effort, with the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty stating that the bill would “end discriminatory DEI programs throughout Wisconsin.” (RELATED: Wisconsin City Argues Absentee Voting a ‘Privilege’ in Missing Ballot Case)
While the measure has overwhelming support from conservatives, some Democrats in local government and the legislature have voiced their opposition to it, with State Sen. Dora Drake, D-Milwaukee, calling it “dangerous”.
“This constitutional amendment is dangerous because it eliminates programs that prevent discrimination, uplift the merit of all Wisconsinites and limits our ability to govern based on the data that is presented to us,” Drake said.
Local government officials in Milwaukee also oppose the ballot initiative, with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley saying that DEI allows the county to target resources at people who need them. (RELATED: ‘No Kings’ Protest Funding Exposed — Nearly $300M From Mega Donors)
“It’s how we utilize the data to target resources, to target programs and investments most effectively, to provide the support where it’s most needed,” Crowley said.
Ending DEI is a deeply polarizing issue nationwide, with an NBC News poll conducted last year finding that 85% of Republicans support abolishing DEI while 85% of Democrats support keeping it. Independents are more divided on the issue, with 59% saying DEI programs should continue.
