Midwest

University of Wisconsin-Madison's ex-diversity officer scrutinized over spending, judgment amid DEI crackdown

Published

12 months ago

March 19, 2025

University of Wisconsin-Madison's ex-diversity officer scrutinized over spending, judgment amid DEI crackdown

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s former chief diversity officer displayed a “significant lapse” in judgment and fiscal responsibility, according to a report, as state and federal lawmakers seek to root out diversity, equity and inclusion programs in education.

Lavar Charleston was removed from his role as chief diversity officer in January, although he remains as a faculty member, according to local outlet FOX 6.

An internal report revealed that Charleston gave most of his employees raises from 10% to 23% without justification, as state lawmakers were attempting to crack down on DEI initiatives within the Universities of Wisconsin system, FOX 6 reported.

EDUCATION DEPT LAUNCHES WIDESPREAD CIVIL RIGHTS PROBE: A LOOK AT WHAT THE AGENCY DOES AS TRUMP EYES SHUTDOWN

Lavar Charleston was removed from his role as chief diversity officer in January, although he remains as a faculty member. (Getty Images)

Records also show that Charleston spent $18,000 on massage therapy for students and $21,000 on a conference in the resort city of Lake Geneva, according to the outlet.

In December, Charleston said a former provost directed him to spend a $6 million surplus.

Charleston’s per-employee spending was the highest on campus, according to the internal report.

“In the course of routine financial management practices, and while collecting information in response to the Legislative Audit Bureau’s requests related to DEI expenditures, UW–Madison discovered a troubling set of expenditures in the division managed by Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence LaVar Charleston,” a spokesperson for the University of Wisconsin-Madison said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

NEARLY HALF OF DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION STAFF WILL BE ELIMINATED IMMINENTLY

Lavar Charleston reportedly spent $18,000 on massage therapy for students and $21,000 on a conference in the resort city of Lake Geneva. (Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

This included “highly atypical and excessive spending across multiple dimensions – from bonuses and compensation adjustments to travel, supplies and furnishings,” the statement said.

“Once discovered, additional financial and HR controls were put in place in the division and across administrative units while leadership continued internal review,” the spokesperson continued. “The review confirmed poor financial judgment and lack of accountability. As a result, on Jan. 22, Dr. Charleston was removed from his role. An external examination of management controls is set to begin soon.”

This comes as President Donald Trump seeks to end DEI programs across the country, including in higher education.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is among roughly 50 universities being investigated by the Department of Education over accusations of racial discrimination by allegedly excluding certain races from specific programs.

Lavar Charleston’s per-employee spending was the highest on campus, according to the internal report seen by FOX 6. (Getty Images)

Institutions were warned that they could lose federal money over race-based preferences in admissions, scholarships, programs or other activities. The department’s investigation focuses on universities’ partnerships with the PhD Project, a nonprofit organization that encourages Black, Hispanic and Native American professionals to earn business doctorate degrees.

The Trump administration argues that DEI programs exclude White and Asian American students in violation of Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

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Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee Weather – Frosty and cold morning, sunny day ahead

Published

50 minutes ago

March 2, 2026

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MILWAUKEE – Forecast from FOX6 Meteorologist Lisa Michaels

Frosty Monday morning with temps in the teens inland to low 20s near the lake.
Mostly sunny to sunny skies on Monday. Highs in the mid-40s inland, upper 30s near the lake.
A total lunar eclipse will happen Tuesday morning, total eclipse from 5-6am. It may be tough to see due to increasing clouds.
Increasing clouds on Tuesday with highs in the low 40s. Chance of rain and storms possible Wednesday through Friday with warming temperatures.

Today: 39 Lake. Mostly sunny.
High: 44°
Wind: SE 5-10

Tonight: Partly cloudy this evening, mostly clear overnight.
Low: 27°
Wind: SE 5

Tuesday: 39 Lake. Mostly cloudy.
High: 43°
Wind: E 5-10

Wednesday:41 Lake. Chance for scattered showers and t-storms.
AM Low: 32° High: 45°
Wind: E 5-10

Thursday: 39 Lake. Mostly cloudy. Chance storms.
AM Low: 37° High: 42°
Wind: NE 5-10

Friday: Chance for showers and t-storms Warmer. Warming at night.
AM Low: 37° High: 57°
Wind: SE 5-15

Saturday: Mostly cloudy with AM rain showers. Blustery with falling afternoon temperatures.
AM Low: 47° High: 53°
Wind: NE 5-10

6-day planner

FOX6 Weather Extras

Local perspective:

Meanwhile, FOX6Now.com offers a variety of extremely useful weather tools to help you navigate the stormy season. They include the following:

FOX6 Storm Center app

FOX LOCAL Mobile app

FOX Weather app

FOX Weather

Big picture view:

Maps and radar

We have a host of maps and radars on the FOX6 Weather page that are updating regularly — to provide you the most accurate assessment of the weather. From a county-by-county view to the Midwest regional radar and a national view — it’s all there.

School and business closings

When the weather gets a little dicey, schools and businesses may shut down. Monitor the latest list of closings, cancellations, and delays reported in southeast Wisconsin.

FOX6 Weather Experts in social media

Daily ForecastWeatherMilwaukee

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Minneapolis, MN

Man on Conditional Release Now Charged in Minneapolis Murder — MNCRIME.com

Published

1 hour ago

March 2, 2026

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Man on Conditional Release Now Charged in Minneapolis Murder — MNCRIME.com

A man is now charged with murder after prosecutors say a robbery inside a Minneapolis apartment building ended in a fatal shooting.

Prosecutors say the man was on conditional release after being charged with first-degree armed carjacking for an incident in Minneapolis last September.

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The killing happened Feb. 24 inside the Abbott Apartments lounge area on the 100 block of East 18th Street, where police found an adult man dead from gunshot wounds after reports of a shooting.

Court documents state the victim and a friend went to the building to meet 20-year-old Abdirahman Khayre Khayre. A witness stated Khayre left the room several times and appeared to be stalling before three armed men entered and demanded property. The men were described as carrying two Glock-style handguns with extended magazines and an AR-style rifle. During the robbery, the suspects demanded a Louis Vuitton bag belonging to the victim. When the victim resisted, a struggle broke out. The witness stated that two guns were taken from him during the robbery.

The witness told investigators Khayre was handed one of the stolen guns and then pointed it at him, causing him to flee into the lobby. Moments later, multiple gunshots were heard. The witness returned and found the victim shot. Surveillance footage from other areas of the building reportedly corroborated key parts of the account, and the witness later identified Khayre in a photo lineup, according to the complaint.

PREVIOUSLY: Man Shot and Killed Inside Minneapolis Apartment Building

Authorities say Khayre was on conditional release at the time of the killing in a separate Hennepin County case involving a September 2025 armed carjacking.

READ MORE > Minneapolis coverage

In that earlier case, prosecutors alleged Khayre and others confronted a woman in a garage near 19th Street and Nicollet Avenue, pointed handguns at her and forced her to give up the keys to a Dodge Challenger before fleeing in the stolen vehicle. Officers later located the vehicle and arrested multiple suspects, including Khayre, who was identified as the driver.

Court records show Khayre posted a $75,000 non-cash bond and was released under conditions requiring him to remain law-abiding, have no possession of firearms or ammunition, avoid alcohol and controlled substances and complete treatment.

Khayre is now charged with second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony and first-degree aggravated robbery. He made an initial court appearance Friday, where a judge set bail at $1 million. If convicted of second-degree felony murder, he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

The homicide investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim. Anyone with information is asked to contact Minneapolis police by emailing policetips@minneapolismn.gov or calling 612-673-5845. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online. Information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a financial reward.

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Indianapolis, IN

How to watch Cleveland State Vikings vs. IU Indianapolis Jaguars: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Horizon League Tournament

Published

1 hour ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

How to watch Cleveland State Vikings vs. IU Indianapolis Jaguars: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Horizon League Tournament

Tune in to see the No. 10 seed Cleveland State Vikings (10-21, 6-14 Horizon League) meet the No. 11 seed IU Indianapolis Jaguars (7-24, 3-17 Horizon League) in the Horizon League Tournament Monday at Wolstein Center, beginning at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Here is everything you need to get ready for Monday’s college basketball action.

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Cleveland State vs. IU Indianapolis: How to watch on TV or live stream

Game day: Monday, March 2, 2026
Game time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Arena: Wolstein Center
TV Channel: ESPN+
Live Stream: ESPN+ – Watch NOW

Watch college basketball on ESPN+!

Vikings vs. Jaguars odds and spread

Spread Favorite: Vikings (-1.5)
Moneyline: Cleveland State (-125), IU Indianapolis (+105)
Total: 170.5 points

College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Monday at 3:35 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Watch college basketball on ESPN+!

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