Taxpayers help foot estimated $20 million for DEI at University of Virginia

EXCLUSIVE — The University of Virginia’s sprawling efforts to expand the left-wing diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda cost roughly $20 million each year.

That’s according to a new analysis by the federal spending watchdog Open the Books, which obtained public records showing Thomas Jefferson’s UVA had at least 235 staffers in DEI-related roles in 2023. In turn, the public institution shelled out $15 million in compensation to these individuals combined, with another $5 million estimated to be paid in the form of benefits, such as healthcare and life insurance, the group found.