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Equity and Inclusion/Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action


Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy Statement

The Department of Public Instruction is committed to providing equal employment opportunity/ affirmative action (EEO/AA) to all job applicants and employees. EEO/AA programs are established to:

  • Ensure all employment actions are based on the ability of an individual to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
  • Enhance an individual's ability to gain access into the state service and system, which include providing accommodations to people with disabilities.
  • Ensure compliance with nondiscrimination laws. The Wisconsin Fair Employment Law prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of: age (40+), ancestry, arrest or conviction record, color, creed, handicap or disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or membership in any reserve component of the United States or state military forces. In addition, harassment, retaliation, and unfair honesty testing are illegal under the law. (Wis. Fair Employment Law, ss 111.31 to 111.395, Wis. Stats.)

Equity and Inclusion Plan

In response to Governor Evers’ 2019 Executive Order #59 Relating to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in State Government, the Department of Public Instruction has developed Equity and Inclusion plans. These plans address core areas of recruitment, retention, and culture and seek to address barriers and implement new policies and practices to aid in the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the agency. The plan’s success depends on the commitment and engagement of all partners including staff and members of the community. DPI staff are working collaboratively with one another and external partners to effectively implement the strategies and actions in the plan as well as build accountability and evaluation structures to ensure equity, inclusion and diversity remain priorities at the agency. These plans are a focused effort to increase diversity at the agency and strengthen our culture so that we have the best possible staff ready and equipped to meet the needs of the students and families of Wisconsin. 

Visit the Department of Public Instruction's Current (2024-2026) Equity and Inclusion Plan
Visit the Department of Public Instruction's Previous (2021-2023) Equity and Inclusion Plan