A new free speech class for incoming freshmen at the University of Wisconsin is about more than just speaking your mind.
University of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman told the board of regents during a meeting in Milwaukee that the university is planning a new curriculum for incoming freshmen on both sides of the right to free speech.
“This fall, all freshmen will learn more about freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities associated with the First Amendment,” Rothman said. “This will provide the foundation for all subsequent discussions and debates on many potentially contentious topics.”
Rothman said the University of Wisconsin needs to reevaluate what free speech means on campus, especially in the wake of pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Rothman made it clear that the university supports the right to protest on campus, but that UW cannot and will not tolerate anyone breaking the law or silencing other students.
“Over the past month or so, many of our campuses have experienced demonstrations in response to the continuing situation in the Middle East,” Rothman explained. “Throughout this, the University of Wisconsin remains committed to upholding the right to free speech while at the same time upholding the law and fulfilling its mission to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our students.”
Rothman said there is a perception that free speech is being infringed in some way on campus, and he pointed to Republican lawmakers at UW who have long pushed for stricter free speech laws.
But Rothman said it’s not the speech that’s the issue on campus, it’s listening to what others say.
“At the University of Wisconsin, I believe that the primary issue is not the right of students to express themselves freely. Rather, I believe that the real issue is ensuring that a civil dialogue exists,” Rothman added. “A civil dialogue means the simple act of respectfully sharing ideas and opinions and listening to the opinions of others.”
Rothman did not say what specifically the new free speech curriculum would include.
