Former University of Wisconsin-Madison diversity officer faces examination for spending and judgment during DEI enforcement

The former chief diversity officer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Lavar Charleston, faced criticism for a “significant lapse” in judgment and fiscal responsibility. He was removed from his position in January after giving raises to his employees without justification. Charleston also spent a large amount of money on massage therapy for students and a conference in Lake Geneva. Additionally, he claimed that a former provost directed him to spend a $6 million surplus. Despite his removal from the chief diversity officer role, Charleston remains a faculty member at the university.

Amidst Charleston’s controversy, state and federal lawmakers have been seeking to crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in education. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of approximately 50 universities being investigated by the Department of Education for alleged racial discrimination in their programs. The investigation is focused on universities’ partnerships with the PhD Project, a nonprofit organization promoting business doctorate degrees for Black, Hispanic, and Native American professionals. President Trump has sought to end DEI programs, arguing that they unfairly exclude White and Asian American students, violating Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

The internal report on Charleston’s spending revealed that his per-employee spending was the highest on campus. This raises concerns about how university funds are being managed, especially in light of ongoing efforts to cut back on DEI programs. Charleston’s questionable actions may further fuel efforts to eliminate such initiatives in higher education. State lawmakers had already been scrutinizing DEI initiatives within the University of Wisconsin system, and Charleston’s behavior only adds to the conversation on the necessity and effectiveness of these programs.

The Department of Education’s investigation warns universities that they could lose federal funding if they are found to be engaging in race-based preferences in admissions, scholarships, programs, or other activities. The Trump administration argues that DEI programs are discriminatory and exclude certain groups of students. This investigation is part of a broader effort to ensure that institutions comply with federal civil rights laws and do not engage in discriminatory practices. It remains to be seen how universities like the University of Wisconsin-Madison will respond to these allegations and whether they will make changes to their DEI programs in light of the investigation.

There is growing scrutiny on how universities handle issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in the wake of internal reports like the one at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The controversy surrounding Lavar Charleston’s actions highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the management of university funds and programs. As debates continue over the role and impact of DEI programs in higher education, institutions are under pressure to ensure that their practices are fair, inclusive, and compliant with federal regulations. The outcome of the Department of Education’s investigation will likely have far-reaching implications for universities across the country as they navigate the complex landscape of diversity and equity in education.