Wisconsin college leaders must remain neutral in public statements about political and social issues, and should only make public statements about matters that affect school operations, according to a new policy the university system released Friday.
Under the new policy, public statements by university leaders must be limited to matters that directly affect the university's operations and mission, and they must maintain viewpoint neutrality when referencing any political or social controversy.
The purpose of the policy is to “defend and protect academic freedom, freedom of expression, and an environment in which competing ideas can be freely discussed and debated by all members of the University community,” the policy states.
The policy applies to the system's president and vice presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice chancellors, deans, directors, department heads, and any other person who may be perceived as speaking on behalf of a system institution.
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Anti-Israel demonstrators demonstrate against the war between Israel and Hamas at the Mallon Library at the University of Wisconsin on April 29, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. (Getty Images)
Any expression of support or opposition must be approved by UW System President Jay Rothman or the university chancellor.
Statements expressing solidarity or empathy should be avoided if they suggest support for one group's viewpoint over another's, the new policy says.
The policy does not apply to faculty or staff who may express their expertise or judgment in relation to their academic discipline or research experience, including analysis or commentary on a political or social issue.
However, the policy notes that faculty and staff should be careful when posting such statements on university-owned channels to ensure they are not misinterpreted as being made on behalf of the institution. The policy also does not apply to personal statements by faculty and staff on channels not owned by the university.
Rothman and university presidents may also adopt additional guidelines and procedures requiring faculty and staff to include disclaimers of liability when not representing the institution, according to the policy.
Anti-Israel protesters at the University of Wisconsin's Mallon Library on April 29, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. (Getty Images)
The president and chancellors may not expand the scope of the policy to restrict the free expression rights of individuals or groups of individuals who do not represent themselves as speakers on behalf of the institution.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the UW System for comment.
UW System spokesman Mark Pitsch told The Associated Press that the policy takes effect immediately and does not require approval from the board of regents.
The move came after University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone reached a deal with anti-Israel protesters in May to end campus protests. The deal, which was criticized by Jewish groups, included a call by the university for a ceasefire in the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, as well as for the university to discuss the possibility of cutting ties with Israeli companies.
Rothman criticized Mone's decision to make the deal, writing on social media platform X that campuses should remain neutral about her views and ensure that actions on campus have consequences.
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Anti-Israel protesters demonstrate at the University of Wisconsin's Mallon Library on April 29, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. (Getty Images)
Mone announced this summer that she plans to step down next year, although she has not specifically said why she is doing so. She said she will step down next year to allow time to find her replacement.
Fox News Digital has reached out to UW-Milwaukee for comment.
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Republican lawmakers have criticized higher education for years, saying conservative voices are censored on campuses across the country while liberal voices are welcomed. Some Republicans have called for federal legislation requiring universities to protect free speech and to enforce penalties for infringing on a person's freedom of speech.
The American Civil Liberties Union and its Wisconsin chapter did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
