Institutional Policy and Compliance

Freedom of Expression & Protest Guidelines

UW-Whitewater’s mission is, in part, to prepare students to become creative, innovative, and adaptable lifelong learners through collaboration, inclusivity, integrity, and the shared social responsibility to solve problems and create a more sustainable society. Integral to our mission is our campus’ continuing commitment to free expression of ideas while showing respect for our diverse community.

As a public university, UW-Whitewater is dedicated to upholding the First Amendment of the United States Constitution including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. The exchange, consideration, and challenging of different ideas is inherent not only to the educational process, but also to civil discourse that will lead to engagement and understanding. We understand that it may be difficult to hear viewpoints that differ from your own, whether they be challenging or potentially offensive. This, however, is the cost of the freedoms that allow UW-Whitewater students to pursue their passions and reach their potential in an intellectually stimulating and respectful environment.

As a part of the Universities of Wisconsin, UW-Whitewater is also bound by the "Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression" (RPD 4-21) policy that was adopted by the UW System Board of Regents in 2017. This policy, in accordance with the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, sets forth certain rights, protections, and responsibilities of our campus community in regard to academic freedom and freedom of expression. A few notable rights, protections, and requirements, among others:

Members of the campus community have the right to engage in speech and expression on campus and to assemble and engage in spontaneous expressive activity as long as such speech, expression, or activity does not disrupt the function of the university. As an example, students may demonstrate in front of a university building, however, they may not block the entrance to or occupy that building.

Members of the campus community are free to criticize and contest the views expressed on campus as long as their actions do not materially and substantially disrupt the rights of others to engage in or listen to expressive activity, such as heckling an invited speaker to the point that the speaker's message cannot be conveyed. This type of behavior may result in disciplinary action or sanctions.

The First Amendment does not protect speech or expression that violates the law, falsely defames a specific individual, constitutes a genuine threat or discriminatory harassment, unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interest, or that is otherwise directly incompatible with the functioning of the university.

UW-Whitewater seeks to provide a physically safe environment for all, where the free flow of ideas and beliefs is accessible and encouraged.

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