The Associated Students of Madison released a statement Wednesday announcing its backing of the latest Diversity Plan, in light of clarifications and additions made to the original framework.
During its initial vote on the document at its April 23 Student Council meeting, ASM members unanimously decided the plan did not meet what University of Wisconsin-Madison needed out of a diversity initiative.
“The largest concern was the fact that this is a framework still, and it’s still being viewed as something to guide our institution rather than something to actually implement concrete steps,” said ASM Chair David Gardner.
ASM voted down the framework on the grounds it would reassess its decision if the Ad Hoc Diversity Planning Committee revised the document considering the implementation of seven elements requested by Student Council.
Among the amendments made to the framework are plans to devise a Diversity Plan Funding Committee and efforts to strengthen the emphasis placed on the ethnic studies requirement.
While the majority of ASM members felt comfortable with the document’s changes, Gardner said the body is discouraged by “trying to create a plan out of a framework” when students expected to see a solidified, original plan.
Though the framework has yet to gain approval from the other shared governance bodies, unanimous adoption from all bodies could lead to the plan’s implementation beginning as soon as the fall semester.
Gardner said ASM plans to maintain an active role in campus diversity actions and will ensure students’ voices are being heard.
“The committee and campus administrators can certainly expect when implementation comes, we will be watching,” Gardner said.
