The University of Minnesota has come under scrutiny for its hefty spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) staff members, with annual salaries exceeding $1.4 million.
According to publicly available state payroll records, the university's DEI staff members earn significantly more than the median annual salary for a full-time worker in America, which is around $65,000.
In fact, some DEI hires at the university earn around six times the median income, sparking questions about the value of these positions and how they contribute to the overall campus experience.
Despite federal executive orders restricting DEI offices and activities, the University of Minnesota maintains an Office for Equity and Diversity, which consists of over 15 offices and major initiatives.
The office's website emphasizes the importance of equity and diversity in the university's mission, stating that "equity and diversity is fundamental to everything we do at the University of Minnesota."
Recent records reveal the high salaries of several DEI staff members, including Vice President for Equity and Diversity Mercedes Ramírez Fernández, who earned $391,759 in 2025, and Associate Vice President for Equity and Diversity and Faculty Development Keisha Varma, who earned $238,540.
The high salaries of these DEI staff members have raised questions about the effectiveness and value of their work, particularly in the context of rising college costs and government loans.
As the costs of college continue to rise, students and parents are left wondering what they are paying for, and whether the spending on DEI staff is a worthwhile investment in the university's mission.
