University of Wisconsin leaders must remain neutral in public statements about politics and social issues and should only make public statements about matters that affect the operation of the school, according to a new policy the university system announced Friday.
Under the new policy, university officials will limit their public comments to matters that directly affect university operations and the university's mission, and they must maintain a neutral perspective when addressing political or social controversies.
The purpose of the policy is to “preserve and protect academic freedom, freedom of expression, and an environment in which all members of the University community can freely discuss and debate opposing ideas,” the policy states.
This policy applies to the system's chancellors and vice chancellors, college presidents, deans, vice chancellors, deans, directors, department chairs, and all others deemed to be speaking on behalf of system institutions.
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Anti-Israel demonstrators protest against the war between Israel and Hamas at the University of Wisconsin Maron Library on April 29, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Getty Images)
Any statements of support or opposition must be approved by UW System Chancellor Jay Rothman or the university president.
The new police force says statements expressing solidarity or sympathy should be avoided if they suggest support for one group's views over others.
This policy does not apply to faculty or staff members who express expertise or judgment related to their academic discipline or research expertise, such as analysis or commentary on political or social issues.
However, the policy notes that faculty and staff should be careful when posting such statements on university-owned channels to ensure they are not misconstrued as being made on behalf of the university, and that the policy does not apply to personal statements made by faculty and staff on non-university-owned channels.
According to the policy, Rothman and the university president can also adopt additional guidelines and procedures, such as requiring faculty and staff to post disclaimers if they are not representing the university.
People demonstrate against Israel at the University of Wisconsin Maron Library on April 29, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Getty Images)
The Chancellor and Presidents may not expand the scope of this policy to restrict the right to freedom of expression of individuals or groups not in a position to speak on behalf of the institution.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the UW System for comment.
University of Washington System spokesman Mark Pich told The Associated Press the policy is effective immediately and does not require board approval.
The policy comes after University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee President Mark Mohn reached a deal with anti-Israel protesters in May to end campus protests. The deal, condemned by Jewish groups, included the university calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas and discussing severing ties with Israeli companies.
Rothman wrote on the social media platform “X” that the university needed to remain neutral and allow actions on campus to have consequences, criticizing Monet's decision to make the deal.
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Anti-Israel demonstrators protest at the University of Wisconsin Maron Library on April 29, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Getty Images)
Monet announced this summer that he plans to step down next year, but did not give specific reasons for his departure. He said he was stepping down next year to give himself time to find a replacement.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for comment.
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Republicans in Congress have long criticized higher education for censoring conservative voices while welcoming liberal ones at colleges and universities across the country, and some have called for federal law that would require universities to protect free speech and penalize those who infringe on individuals' free 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.
