We're Back! Summer 2025 Newsletter
The Madison Federalist continues its commitment to responsible journalism and ideological diversity
The Madison Federalist has returned from summer hiatus! Even though we took a break, the news cycle never stops. Here are the top stories from the last four months:
DDEEA DISSOLVED
UW-Madison’s Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement was discontinued as a freestanding department amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on discriminatory practices in higher education. However, fewer than ten former DDEEA employees were laid off, as many of its operations were shifted to other divisions. The Associated Students of Madison condemned the decision.
MULTIPLE UW REGENTS’ HOMES DEFACED
In early July, the homes of at least three members of the UW Board of Regents were vandalized with anti-Israel messages. They had their driveways sprayed with fake blood and paint, and they also received a list of demands. Messages left by the vandals included “UW BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS” and “Regents are complicit in genocide.”
STUDENTS FOR JUSTICE IN PALESTINE SUSPENDED
The university suspended its chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine until January after members repeatedly disrupted an event featuring former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. SJP had previously been placed on a ten-month probation because of its role in the illegal encampment on campus. In an agreement with UW at the conclusion of the encampment, SJP had promised to refrain from future disruptions of university activities.
UW-EAU CLAIRE PROFESSOR WHO FLIPPED TABLE SUSPENDED FOR ONE YEAR
José Felipe Alvergue was removed from his position as chair of the UWEC English department shortly after he flipped a College Republicans table on April 1st, the day of the spring election. After disciplinary proceedings, he was placed on unpaid leave for the 2025-26 academic year. He was also ordered to pay a $295 fine after pleading no contest to a disorderly conduct charge.
UW BOARD OF REGENTS SETTLES DEI LAWSUIT
The Universities of Wisconsin paid $265,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by former UW-Eau Claire DEI administrator Rochelle Hoffman. Hoffman accused UWEC of racial discrimination, claiming she was demoted from her position as interim director of multicultural student services because she is white. The payment “is not to be construed as an admission of liability,” under the terms of the agreement between the UW System and Hoffman.
UW GRANTED HOUSING ACCOMMODATION AFTER LEGAL THREAT
UW-Madison recently granted a housing accommodation request to an observant Jewish student after it received a legal demand letter from a Christian law firm. The student was initially given a housing assignment that was nearly a 30-minute walk from Hillel or Chabad, and her request to change dorms was denied. On July 30, attorneys from First Liberty Institute sent a letter on her behalf, demanding that the university grant a religious housing accommodation. On August 20, First Liberty announced that the university had granted the request.
UW STUDENT TUITION INCREASED
The UW Regents raised undergraduate student tuition by five percent, increasing in-state tuition by $500 and out-of-state tuition by more than $2,000. However, graduate student tuition remained unchanged.
EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
September 16, 2025 @ 4:00 pm, The Economic Impact of Cuts to Federal Research Funding, Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy, Memorial Union - Tripp Commons
September 17, 2025 @ 5:00 pm, Constitution Day Celebration with Prof. Lee Strang: Can Originalism “Get With the Times”? How Originalism Meets the Challenge of a Changing World, Pyle Center AT&T Lounge
September 23, 2025 @ 12:00 pm, Adam Szetela, “That Book Is Dangerous: How Moral Panic, Social Media, and the Culture Wars Are Remaking Publishing,” Center for the Study of Liberal Democracy, UW Law School Room 7200
October 4, 2025 @ 12:00 pm, From Leo XIII to Leo XIV: Social Thought in the Modern Papacy, Center for the Study of Liberal Democracy, UW Law School Room 7200 (Registration Required)
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