The Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (WICCD) provides resources, opportunities, and support for teaching, learning, and practicing viewpoint diversity; freedom of expression; academic freedom; civil dialogue; and civic participation within our universities and communities.
WICCD Free Speech and Academic Freedom Workshop
April 26, 2025 | UW-Lacrosse | One-Day Workshop on Free Speech & Academic Freedom
The Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (WICCD) invites Universities of Wisconsin students to participate in a workshop focused on free speech and academic freedom. This day-long workshop offers students the opportunity to learn from experts, engage in discussions about challenging cases, and analyze campus policies.
Registration is required to participate. Students who complete the workshop receive a $500 stipend. The deadline to apply is April 4, but only 36 students will be accepted, so don’t wait to apply!
WICCD Grant Program
The program funds projects submitted by UW employees and students that support WICCD’s vision and mission. WICCD prioritizes funding grant projects likely to have positive impacts on campus culture.
WICCD seeks proposals in four areas:
- (R) research
- (E) events and related activities
- (A) assessment and evaluation
- (D) curriculum and professional development
Training Modules
The Universities of Wisconsin has provided our universities with Freedom of Expression awareness and training resources for them to incorporate into programs for incoming freshmen and transfer students. These resources fulfill the UW Regent policy RPD 4-21 requirement regarding providing training for new student orientation on academic freedom and free expression. The resources cover concepts such as the importance of free expression, commitment to civil discourse, and limits on free expression.
WICCD Events
Civil Dialogue Events
The Universities of Wisconsin are committed to teaching, sharing, and practicing civil dialogue at our universities and throughout Wisconsin. Civil discourse seeks understanding and, when needed, advances the public good without degrading others’ beliefs. There are various methods for engaging in civil dialogue, and the approach chosen depends on factors such as the issue, participants, and desired outcomes. While WICCD provides some tools and training, it also connects individuals to additional resources when needed.
Free Expression & Academic Freedom Events
WICCD offers engaging sessions led by Interim Director Shiell or a designee, focusing on First Amendment rights, including freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, petition, expressive association, and academic freedom. These events explore key principles and doctrines, addressing both legal and ethical factors. Customized workshops on topics such as citizenship, civil dialogue, and the history and justification of expressive rights are available upon request.
Civil Dialogue
The Universities of Wisconsin share in the responsibility to create an environment where members of the campus community may freely engage with others. This includes upholding the legal and practical applications of free speech concepts to promote engagement, civility, and discourse in the expression of ideas, beliefs, and opinions that may be controversial or strongly opposed by others.
The Universities of Wisconsin also cultivate an environment where living, learning, and working are embraced by mutual respect.
The goal of the Civil Dialogue Project is to develop resources, training programs, and events to supplement the current and ongoing efforts of our public universities in the promotion of freedom of expression and civil discourse on their campuses.
Upcoming Events
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UW Student Campus Free Speech and Academic Freedom Workshop
April 26 @ 8:15 am - 4:00 pm
UW-Lacrosse Student Union
News
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Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue seeking student applicants for free expression workshop
February 28, 2025
The Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (WICCD) will hold a workshop for Universities of Wisconsin students focused on free speech and academic freedom on Saturday, April 26, at […]
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Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue Seeks Grant Proposals
February 11, 2025
Spring semester applications due March 15, 2025 MADISON, Wis.—The Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (WICCD) invites faculty, staff, and students at the Universities of Wisconsin (UWs) to apply […]
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The Frontlines of Democracy: Stories from a New Generation of Leaders
October 15, 2024
Young leaders from around the world will share their experiences from the frontlines of the defense of democracy and human rights, at two events in Madison and Milwaukee. The presentation, […]
Vision & Mission
WICCD’s vision is for the Universities of Wisconsin to be national leaders in producing and disseminating knowledge and enhancing democracy through civil dialogue in a robust marketplace of ideas.
Accordingly, its mission is to provide resources, opportunities, and support for teaching, learning, and practicing viewpoint diversity; freedom of expression; academic freedom; civil dialogue; and civic participation within our universities and communities.