Compliance
Regent Policy Document 4-21, Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression, requires UW System to report annually to the Board of Regents its efforts to uphold the principles in the policy. The policy affirms the Board’s commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression. In the spring of 2024, the Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (WICCD) was created to enhance the way in which UWSA and its universities fulfill the roles and responsibilities under RPD 4-21. For more information on this topic visit WICCD’s website.
Constitution Day
September 17 is designated as Constitution Day which commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the foundational principles of the Constitution, including the First Amendment, which guarantees freedoms of speech, assembly, and the press. These freedoms are directly related to academic freedom and freedom of expression. Per 36 U.S. Code 106, “each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution”. As part of the annual report (described above), UW institutions provide examples of activities, efforts, and communications that support the universities commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression (such as Constitution Day educational programs for students).