State superintendent statement on State Senate rejection of Regent appointees

MADISON — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly, a Regent on the University of Wisconsin System’s Board of Regents, published the following statement today in response to the Wisconsin State Senate voting to reject the appointments of John Miller and former Rep. Dana Wachs.

 

"I am deeply disappointed in the State Senate's rejection of two of my Regent colleagues, John Miller and former Rep. Dana Wachs. Politics has trumped common sense.  

"John and Dana are smart, passionate, and wise leaders who bring tremendous experience, and who have made the university system stronger and the state better. Unfortunately, petty politics has infected our education system. I hope we soon change course and restore Wisconsin’s history of strong bipartisan support for our public schools and university system.  

"It’s sad some people are now apparently afraid of the words “diversity, equity, and inclusion.” We should focus on what these words simply mean – every student, every child, every person in our great state has potential and deserves the support they need."

NOTE: A headshot of Dr. Underly is available on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's website.