University of Wisconsin - Madison
Branch Campus of a School System
A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.
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On this page, FIRE has excerpted policies that address speech and expression. You may download the full policy in .pdf form, below.
Policies on Diversity and Multiculturalism (Learn More)
No policies found.
Towards a Bias-Free Campus: Racist and Other Discriminatory Conduct Policy 07-08
It is the policy of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, that racist and other discriminatory conduct toward students, employees, officials and guests in the University of Wisconsin System is conduct which will not be tolerated. Discrimination, discriminatory attitudes, and expressions that reflect discrimination are inconsistent with the efforts of the University of Wisconsin System to foster an environment of respect for the dignity and worth of all members of the university community and to eliminate all manifestations of discrimination within the university.
Prohibited Harassment: Definitions and Rules Governing the Conduct of UW-Madison Faculty and Academic Staff 07-08
The use, in addressing a specific student, university employee, or recipient of university services, of an epithet or a comment concerning that student, employee or recipient of services that clearly derogates and debases him or her on the basis of his or her gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability is not appropriate and therefore is not protected.
A member of the university faculty or academic staff is subject to discipline if, in a work or learning-related setting, he or she makes sexual advances, requests sexual favors, or makes physical contacts commonly understood to be of a sexual nature, and if
1.
the conduct is unwanted by the person(s) to whom it is directed, and
2.
the actor knew or a reasonable person could clearly have understood that the conduct was unwanted, and
3.
because of its flagrant or repetitious nature, the conduct either
1.
seriously interferes with work or learning performance of the person(s) to whom the conduct was directed, or
2.
makes the university work, learning, or service environment intimidating or hostile, or demeaning to a person of average sensibilities.
Sexual Harassment Information and Resources: What is Sexual Harassment? 07-08
Some behavior that is not in violation of university policy may, nonetheless, be unprofessional under the circumstances. Consequences of such unprofessional behavior may include poor performance evaluations or possible discipline.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
[...]
the conduct interferes with an employee's work or a student's academic career, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work, learning, or program environment.
University Residence Halls Handbook: Harassment 07-08
"Harassment" is defined as verbal threats, intimidation, or conduct which: tend to cause or incite a breach of the peace; or are severe or pervasive enough to substantially interfere with a reasonable student's educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being and which actually do so interfere. The presentation of any idea, regardless of the ideas' nature or perceived value, may not be considered harassment unless it is accompanied with verbal threats, intimidation, or conduct as previously defined.
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, Sensitivity, Hate, and Hate Speech (Learn More)
No policies found.
Towards a Bias-Free Campus 07-08
Your rights as a citizen are neither increased not lessened by your status as a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a member of this academic community, however, you do have added responsibilities. These added responsibilities include:
* your consistent practice of civility toward others
* your respect for the expression of diverse opinions
* your insistence on academic honesty and integrity
* your demand that all members of the university be accepted and judged as individuals without regard to their race, sex, religion, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or age
* your efforts to insure that the community is safe from violence, harassment, fraud, theft, disruption and intimidation.
Chancellor’s Page: Mission Statement 07-08
Advertised Commitments to Freedom of Speech (Learn More)
Prohibited Harassment: Definitions and Rules Governing the Conduct of UW-Madison Faculty and Academic Staff 07-08
The University of Wisconsin-Madison endeavors to maintain an environment that challenges students, faculty, and staff to develop their critical thinking capacities to their fullest potential-an environment in which controversial, provocative, and unpopular ideas can safely be introduced and discussed. The university is, therefore, unswervingly committed to freedom of speech as guaranteed under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and to the principle of academic freedom adopted by the Board of Regents in 1894, which states in part: "whatever may be the limitations which trammel inquiry elsewhere, we believe that the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone truth can be found."
Conduct on University Lands: Computer Use 07-08
No person may, with
intent to harass, annoy or offend another person,
send a message to the person on an electronic mail
or other computerized communication system and in
that message use any obscene, lewd or profane
language or suggest any lewd or lascivious act.
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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in June 2008. According to FIRE’s research the substantive policies are current at least until this date. Directory information, including the name of the president of the college or university, may have been updated more recently. If any policy has been revised, or if you believe that we are in error, please contact us.
Below, FIRE has excerpted policies affecting freedom of association and materials related to mandatory student orientations. Please note that the materials below this line do not affect a college or university's Speech Code Rating.
Mandatory Student Orientation Materials
No policies found.
Student Fee Policies Affecting Freedom of Association
No policies found.
Other Policies Restricting Freedom of Association
No policies found.
