A Closer Look at UW-Madison's Campus-Wide Diversity Initiatives

Abstract

This paper explores the history of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's three campus-wide diversity initiatives, the Madison Plan, Plan 2008, and Affecting R.E.E.L. Change for Diversity & Inclusion. Focusing on the catalyzing events, goals, outcomes, and reactions regarding the plans, this paper provides a comprehensive examination of the university's efforts at creating a more diverse and inclusive environment from 1987 to the present day. While the university is quick to recognize its successes, this history is riddled with shortcomings, conflicts, and hostility, thus alluding to the marginalization people of color have experienced while on campus.