Top DEI official at University of Wisconsin-Madison steps down- Washington Examiner

LaVar Charleston left his position as vice chancellor in the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement at UW-Madison on Wednesday.

“An ongoing internal review of DDEEA’s finances has revealed areas of concern about financial operations and fiscal judgments in the division,” the university said in a statement. “On Jan. 7, the unit’s leadership was notified that fiscal authority of DDEEA would be shifting to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration.”

The review began in order to prepare for a state audit of the UW System’s diversity offices. It produced enough evidence for leadership to remove Charleston from his position and shift fiscal responsibility to another office.

Charleston led the department for three years; he will stay on at the university as a clinical professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis in the School of Education. Provost Charles Isbell will lead the division until a new head is appointed.

The university said Charleston’s removal will not affect its DDEEA department’s events, programs, or services. “The university remains steadfastly committed to ensuring all students and employees are offered the opportunity to thrive and find a sense of belonging on campus,” it said.

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The Washington Examiner contacted the university for comment, but it did not offer any new information.

Charleston was named vice chancellor for inclusive excellence in August 2024. When he was named to the position, UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said his “deep understanding of the challenges we face and exceptional leadership skills would help him play an even more expansive role in guiding our efforts to build a more connected and inclusive campus community.”