We can't even do a lunch

Release Date: April 11, 2025
Duration: 1h 8m
Hosts: Stephanie Díaz de León, Rob Chappell, Nicholas Garton, Omar Waheed

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🧵 Episode Summary:

This week, the crew dives deep into the University of Wisconsin's decision to abruptly cancel monthly BIPOC employee lunches—an initiative that served as a space for connection, networking, and support for people of color on campus. The hosts unpack what this means for employee retention, equity efforts, and the larger implications of anticipatory compliance in response to federal and state pressures. Read the story here.

They also cover:

• 🪧 The UnityPoint Meriter nurses' pre-strike rally and what's at stake as contract negotiations continue. Read the story here.

• 📚 A major funding loss for the Literacy Network's citizenship instruction program—and the broader consequences for legal immigrants in Madison. Read the story here.

• 🧠 A powerful return: Black Oxygen is back! Rob chats with host Angela Russell about the show's origins, upcoming season focused on Black women, and the unique power of podcasting to create space for authentic Black voices. Listen to classic episodes here.

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