A public hearing was held on Tuesday, August 13 on Administrative Code Scope Statement for Chapter UWS 17, Wisconsin Administrative Code (Ch. UWS 17, Wis. Admin. Code). UW System seeks to modify Ch. UWS 17, Wis. Admin. Code to address student discipline related to violent or other disorderly misconduct that materially and substantially disrupts the free expression of others, when a formal investigation and disciplinary hearing is required, and mandatory sanctions for students found responsible for misconduct that materially and substantially disrupts the free expression of others. All UW System institutions would be affected by the proposed rule revisions articulated in the related scope statement.
At the same time, Representatives Cody Horlacher, Robin Vos, and Dave Murphy along with Senator Chris Kapenga introduced LRB-3437/1: Free Expression within the University of Wisconsin System. The bill puts the responsibility on the UW Board of Regents to discipline any actions inhibiting free speech by campus speakers, students and faculty. It also allows campus speakers, students and faculty to discuss anything protected by the first amendment. The Board of Regents currently has a policy in place addressing actions for those in violation of free speech rights.