According to a new policy released by the university system on Friday, leaders of the Universities of Wisconsin must maintain neutrality in public statements regarding political and social issues. They are only permitted to make public statements related to school operations.
The policy dictates that public statements from university leaders should be limited to matters directly impacting university operations and mission, requiring them to preserve viewpoint neutrality on any political or social controversy.
The intent of the policy, as stated, is to uphold and safeguard academic freedom, freedom of expression, and an environment that encourages the open discussion and debate of contrasting ideas within the university community.
This policy extends to system officials such as the president, vice presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice chancellors, deans, directors, department chairs, and others who may be perceived as speaking on behalf of a university institution.
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Anti-Israel demonstrators protesting the Israel-Hamas war at the University of Wisconsin Library Mallon on April 29, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. (Getty Images)
Expressions of support or opposition must be approved by UW system President Jay Rothman or the university’s chancellor.
The policy discourages statements of solidarity or empathy if they appear to favor one group over another, according to the new guidelines.
Faculty and staff are exempt from the policy when expressing their expertise or judgment in their academic field or research, with the caveat that they must be cautious when posting on university-owned channels to prevent misinterpretation as institutional statements.
Rothman and university chancellors are authorized to establish additional guidelines requiring disclaimers when individuals are not representing the institution.
Anti-Israel protesters at the University of Wisconsin Library Mallon on April 29, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. (Getty Images)
University officials are prohibited from expanding the policy to limit the free expression rights of individuals or groups not representing the institution.
Fox News Digital has contacted the UW System for their opinion on the matter.
Mark Pitsch, a spokesperson for the UW system, informed The Associated Press that the policy will go into effect immediately without requiring approval from the board of regents.
This policy follows UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone’s agreement in May with anti-Israel demonstrators to end campus protests, which has drawn criticism from Jewish organizations.
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Anti-Israel demonstrators protesting at the University of Wisconsin Library Mallon on April 29, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. (Getty Images)
Mone has announced his intention to resign next year, without specifying the reason for his departure, allowing time to find a successor.
Fox News Digital has reached out to UW-Milwaukee for their perspective.
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Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns about the censorship of conservative voices on college campuses in contrast to the welcoming of liberal viewpoints. There have been calls for federal legislation enforcing penalties for impinging on free speech.
The American Civil Liberties Union and its Wisconsin chapter have not yet responded to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
