Anti-Equity Constitutional Amendment - The League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area

HomeAnti-Equity Constitutional Amendment

BE AN INFORMED VOTER:
WHAT IS THE ANTI-EQUITY AMENDMENT
ON THE 11/3 BALLOT?

The League of Women Voters is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and practice.

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EDUCATION MATERIALS ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

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LWVWI
Damaging Consequences of the Anti-Equity Constitutional Amendment Webinar - 9/8/2026

LWVLA
Learn with League: Fall Ballot Questions - 9/23/2026
In-person at the public library

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LWVWI CONSTITUTION CORNER

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS CHANGE THE RULES.
Understand the Consequences.

As a result of a close vote in the state legislature, Wisconsin voters will see a constitutional amendment on the November 3, 2026 ballot that could have significant impacts on public education, employment, contracting, and government programs across the state.

While the ballot language references discrimination and preferential treatment, the proposed amendment would also limit the use of certain equity-focused policies and programs.

Before you vote, take time to understand what's on your ballot and how this amendment could affect Wisconsin communities.

BALLOT LANGUAGE:
“Governmental Entity Discrimination Prohibited: Shall section 27 article 1 of the constitution be created to prohibit governmental entities in the state from discriminating against, or granting preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, public education, public contracting, or public administration?”

WHAT THIS AMENDMENT MEANS?

The title and first part of the ballot question lead voters to believe that is a new law to stop government from discriminating against people. That’s misleading. Wisconsin and federal law already make discrimination illegal.

So, what does this amendment intend to accomplish? It prohibits the state from granting “preferential treatment” to marginalized people. If this amendment passes, it will eliminate the equity-based gains Wisconsin has made over the last 60 years.

While framed as promoting equality, this amendment would reduce Wisconsin’s capacity to address long-standing disparities. It would strip public systems of tools essential for promoting equal opportunity and equitable access to the vulnerable in our society.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF THIS AMENDMENT PASSES?
Government programs that help people have an equal chance to succeed would be unconstitutional, ending decades of work to fix inequality.

o What will be gained: Nothing

o What will be lost: 60 years of progress for women and underserved communities

WHAT PROGRAMS AND POLICIES COULD BE ELIMINATED?

o Health and Environmental Equity:

Programs that address higher rates of chronic illness, disease, and mortality; maternal and infant mortality for the Black population

o Education:

Programs that address K-12 accommodations, curriculum, UW
admissions, scholarships, grants, courses, textbooks

o Community-Action Programs:

Head Start and social-support networks for operating food banks, homeless shelters, and domestic violence shelters

o Government, Businesses, and Contracts:

Workplace initiatives for women, public contracts for certified minority-owned firms, equitable hiring, promotion and retention; the WI Supplier Diversity Program and WI Fast Forward program

"What they won’t tell you is that diversity programs don’t give anyone an unfair advantage. They level a playing field that has been tilted for generations. They ensure that qualified candidates from under-represented communities actually get a fair shot at opportunities that networks of privilege have long monopolized. When we invest in diversity, our state government better reflects and serves all Wisconsinites, not just some of us."

READ LAKESHIA N. MYERS ENTIRE OP-ED
CIVIC MEDIA, JUNE 24, 2026

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OTHER AMENDMENT QUESTIONS ON THE 11/3 BALLOT

BE AN INFORMED VOTER: WHAT IS THE ANTI-EQUITY AMENDMENT ON THE 11/3 BALLOT?

BE AN INFORMED VOTER:
WHAT IS THE ANTI-EQUITY AMENDMENT
ON THE 11/3 BALLOT?