University of Wisconsin administrators must limit their public statements to matters that affect the school’s operations and maintain a neutral position, according to a new policy released Friday by system administrators.
UW System spokesman Mark Pitsch told The Associated Press in an email that the policy takes effect immediately and does not require approval from the Board of Regents. Asked what prompted the policy, Pitsch pointed to language in the policy that says the restrictions are necessary to maintain academic freedom and an environment in which ideas can compete freely.
The move comes after UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone closed a deal in May to end pro-Palestinian campus protests. The university agreed to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and to discuss cutting ties with Israeli companies.
The deal drew fierce criticism from Jewish groups. UW System President Jay Rothman also took Mone to task over the deal, writing on X that campuses must remain neutral on positions and ensure that actions taken on campus have consequences. Rothman is trying to stay on good terms with Republicans who control the Legislature in hopes of securing an $855 million boost for the system in the next state budget.
Republican lawmakers have complained for years that universities have become bastions of liberal thought and silence conservative voices. Some in the GOP have called for federal legislation requiring universities to protect free speech and punish those who infringe on the rights of others.
Mone announced this summer that he plans to step down effective July 1. He has not said specifically why he chose to step down. Like all UW chancellors, he has struggled with financial problems caused largely by declining enrollment and relatively flat state aid. UW-Milwaukee spokeswoman Angelica Duria referred questions to Pitsch.
Under the new policy, university leaders are only allowed to make public statements on matters that directly affect the university’s operations and its core mission. They must maintain a neutral stance when referring to political or social controversies.
Any expression of support or opposition must be approved by Rothman or the school’s chancellor. Statements of solidarity or empathy should be avoided if they imply that one group has more support than another.
The policy applies to Rothman, system vice presidents, university chancellors, provosts, system vice presidents, deans, directors, department chairs, and anyone speaking on behalf of an institution in the system.
The policy does not apply to faculty or staff who teach or express their expertise on a situation related to their field of study, although they should exercise caution when posting such statements on university-owned channels so that they are not perceived as representing the institution’s position. The policy also does not apply to personal statements made by faculty and staff on non-university-owned channels.
David Gwidt, a spokesman for the Wisconsin chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, declined to comment, saying the organization was not ready to discuss the policy.
