University of Wisconsin According to the new policy released by the university system on Friday, leaders must remain neutral in public statements on political and social issues, and they should only make public statements on matters affecting school operations.
Under the new policy, public statements by university leaders must be limited to matters that directly affect university operations and the university’s mission, and they must maintain viewpoint neutrality when mentioning any political or social controversies.
The policy states that its purpose is to “maintain and protect academic freedom, freedom of expression, and to create an environment in which competing ideas can be freely discussed and debated by all members of the university community.”
This policy applies to System presidents and vice presidents, university chancellors, provosts, vice chancellors, deans, directors, department heads, and any other individual speaking on behalf of a System institution.
Anti-Israel protesters protest the Israel-Hamas war at the University of Wisconsin Library Mallon on April 29, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Getty Images)
Any expressions of support or opposition must be approved by UW System President Jay Rothman or the university chancellor.
The new policy states that statements expressing solidarity or sympathy should be avoided if they give more support to the viewpoint of one group than to another.
This policy does not apply to faculty or staff who may express their expertise or judgment, as it relates to their academic discipline or research expertise, including analysis or commentary on a political or social issue.
However, the policy states that faculty and staff should be cautious when posting such statements on university-owned channels to ensure they are not misinterpreted as statements made on behalf of the institution. The policy also does not apply to personal statements by faculty and staff on non-university-owned channels.
Rothman and Vice-Chancellor of the University According to the policy, the institution may also adopt additional guidance and procedures requiring faculty and staff to include disclaimers stating that they do not represent the institution.
Anti-Israel protesters at the University of Wisconsin Library Molan in Madison, Wisconsin on April 29, 2024. (Getty Images)
The President and Vice-Chancellor may not expand the scope of the policy to restrict the right to freedom of expression of individuals or groups of individuals who do not represent themselves as speaking on behalf of the institution.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the UW System for comment.
UW System spokesman Mark Pitts told The Associated Press that the policy takes effect immediately and does not require approval from the Board of Regents.
The policy comes after an agreement with UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone. Anti-Israel protesters In May, an agreement was reached to end the campus protests. The agreement, which came after criticism from Jewish groups, included the university calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and also discussing whether the university would sever ties with Israeli companies.
Rothman criticized Mone’s decision to reach the settlement, writing on the social media platform X that campuses need to remain viewpoint-neutral and ensure that there are consequences for actions taken on campus.
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Anti-Israel protesters at the University of Wisconsin Library Molan in Madison, Wisconsin on April 29, 2024. (Getty Images)
Mone announced this summer that he plans to step down next year, though he did not specifically state why. He said he is leaving his post next year to give him time to find his 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 that conservative voices are censored on campuses across the country while liberal voices are welcomed. Some Republicans have called for federal legislation that would require colleges and universities to protect freedom of speech and impose penalties when they violate a person’s freedom of speech.
The American Civil Liberties Union and its Wisconsin chapter did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
