U of Wisconsin system ends women's initiative.

Without consulting with the women actively involved in promoting gender equity at University of Wisconsin system campuses, President Kevin P. Reilly quietly cut the funding for the half-time status of women coordinator position, effectively ended this innovative initiative on 24 campuses and at University Extension.

Since its creation is 2000, the Wisconsin Women's Initiative had become a national model, received a grant from a prestigious foundation and established the UW System's reputation as a good employer for women.

Throughout 1999, a 26-member commission had collected and studied data related to the status of UW System women faculty, administrators, staff and students. The commission's extensive work resulted in a ground-breaking report, based on statistics and anecdotal data obtained via interviews, focus groups and surveys.

The report was presented to and approved by the Board of Regents. It became a mandate to all UW System schools to report to the system president on their plans to put its recommendations to work on their campus's progress. This blueprint for action focused on five central issues:

* Advancing women into leadership positions

* Increasing the number of women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)

* Creating a safe climate that welcomes and attracts all women--regardless of race, class, sexual orientation, age or ability