The News: The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) is calling on the Trump Administration to investigate a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) librarians conference organized by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and funded by Wisconsin taxpayers. This event comes on the heels of DPI refusing to comply with the Department of Education’s directive to certify racial equality in education—a condition for receiving federal education funds. Hosting an event for certain racial groups is not only unlawful but further jeopardizes critical federal funding for Wisconsin schools.
The Quotes: WILL Education Counsel, Cory Brewer, stated, “Unfortunately, this event prioritizes racial identity over professional excellence and uses federal dollars to promote division instead of unity. It is indefensible for DPI to defy clear federal law and public sentiment. We encourage the Trump administration to step in—because DPI reviving a “separate but equal” mindset under the banner of equity is not inclusivity—it’s the opposite.”
Additional Background: On May 20, 2025, DPI plans to host a day-long, taxpayer-funded “BIPOC-Centered Library Staff Unconference” in Madison, Wisconsin. The website for the conference confirms that the event is funded through support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This means IMLS resources are being used to sponsor and promote a racially exclusionary event in direct violation of federal law.
DPI’s Response Confirms Unlawful Practices: Only after public inquiry did DPI release a statement claiming the event is technically open to all races. However, this update is not publicly posted on DPI’s website or social media channels, and DPI has taken no meaningful steps to clarify or correct the racially exclusionary framing of the event. Their intent is plain: to create a taxpayer-funded, state-promoted event centered on race. Participation and purpose are tied explicitly to racial identity.
Additionally, the registration form still categorizes attendees by asking them to submit their race, and the description on the event website assumes shared perspectives based on race. This is unlawful racial stereotyping under SFFA v. Harvard, and it is a violation of equality under the law.
Read more:
- Title VI Complaint, May 2025
