The University System of Georgia spent millions on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts prior to cuts from the state budget approved earlier this year, according to a Monday report by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC).
The report detailed a nearly 200-page response from system Chancellor Sonny Perdue to Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who questioned how much had been spent on DEI efforts following complaints from the former over the approved $66 million decrease in funding for the system.
The report said that although it was difficult to calculate one total sum spent on DEI from all 26 of the system’s institutions based on Perdue’s response, it did list “millions of dollars worth of salaries for diversity staffers,” as well as millions for “need-based aid for students and programs Perdue said fulfill federal requirements.”
