51ÁÔÆæ

Voices of Respect: Free Speech Rights & Limits

As our spring semester begins, we want to remind the campus community of key expectations for behavior around free speech and free expression. 51ÁÔÆæ supports safe and lawful free speech and expression, but our university also must ensure the physical safety of our campus community. In no case does 51ÁÔÆæ condone language that targets individuals or specific populations, even if that speech is legally protected. 51ÁÔÆæ will enforce all state laws, Universities of Wisconsin and 51ÁÔÆæ policies, and our university’s codes of conduct for students and student organizations. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Please visit the Free Speech, Rights and Limits site, which includes more information on free speech, expressive activity, harassment and discrimination, safety and support resources.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Free speech and its limits 

51ÁÔÆæ, and every member of our campus community, must respect each individual’s right to speak freely and take part in peaceful protests and demonstrations. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

We are a public university, and this distinction is crucial when it comes to the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. As a public institution, 51ÁÔÆæ cannot, with very few exceptions, regulate or sanction speech based on its content or the viewpoint of the person speaking.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Hate speech is offensive and hurtful; however, it is generally protected by the First Amendment. Learn more about hate speech in this FAQ. Some types of speech aren’t protected by the First Amendment, such as harassment, defamation, speech that unduly intimidates someone, threats a²Ô»å imminent incitement of violence. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

51ÁÔÆæ can regulate speech based on the time, place and manner it occurs. Speech isn’t protected if it disrupts campus activities and operations. 51ÁÔÆæ will take action to address time, place and manner violations, disruptions and speech that is not protected by the First Amendment. Please refer to 51ÁÔÆæ’s policy on expressive activity.ÌýÌý

Encampments, building occupation and other obstructions 

Encampments and occupation of buildings violate state law.  includes, but is not limited to, pitching tents and the overnight use of sleeping bags, blankets and makeshift shelters. In addition, it is prohibited to erect any structures on university property. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 are also prohibited both when buildings are open for public use and after closing hours. This includes obstructing access and movement within buildings, entering rooms and offices without permission, or assembling outside rooms and offices when they are normally in use for classes, research, and other university business.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

If encampments are erected or university buildings are occupied, 51ÁÔÆæ will take appropriate action to enforce the rules, including ending the encampment or occupation, issuing citations and initiating student conduct and student organization conduct disciplinary processes. Protests must abide by state law and university policy. 

Chalking and postings

Chalk messages must be limited to outdoor walking surfaces that are completely exposed to the sky. Vertical surfaces (such as walls and posts) and unexposed areas (such as walkways under overhangs) may not be chalked. Only water-soluble material may be used, and such material must easily dissipate in the rain. Any chalking, painting or other forms of stenciling that do not comply with these guidelines may be removed and treated as an act of vandalism.   

No person may erect, post or attach any notices, posters, pictures or any item of a similar nature in or on any building or upon other university property except on regularly established bulletin boards, or as otherwise authorized.  may be removed. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Additionally, message content is subject to applicable law and 51ÁÔÆæ policies, including 51ÁÔÆæ’s Discriminatory Conduct Policy (SAAP 5-1).  

Behavior expectations 

We fully support the right to free speech and expression, including protests and demonstrations, but they must abide by state and federal laws and university policy. 

For those who plan to engage in any form of expressive activity on campus, here’s what you need to know: 

  • Be respectful of others’ rights and opinions, even when they differ from your own.  
  • Follow campus policies regarding time, place and manner for demonstrations. These can be found at the Free Speech, Rights and Limits website or 51ÁÔÆæ’s Interim Expressive Activity on Campus Policy.ÌýÌý
  • Avoid any behavior that disrupts university operations or violates the safety and well-being of others.  
  • Civil disobedience does not create a defense to consequences for the failure to follow the law or policy. It is a form of protest where people peacefully and intentionally break the law to bring attention to their cause. It also means that people are prepared to accept the applicable punishment as part of their protest. 

Student code of conduct violations will be addressed through the student nonacademic misconduct disciplinary process. Violations of the Discriminatory Conduct Policy will be addressed through that process, and other violations may be addressed by law enforcement. Student organizations may also be subject to discipline for violations of law or policy. 

Campus safety 

51ÁÔÆæ is committed to a safe campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Students and employees are encouraged to download the Rave Guardian app — a safety tool that connects you directly with 51ÁÔÆæ Police Department resources. Use the app as a virtual safe walk companion, to receive emergency alerts and to text directly with the 51ÁÔÆæPD. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

In an emergency, please call the 51ÁÔÆæ Police Department at 911 on a 51ÁÔÆæ Teams account or 414-229-9911 on a cellphone or off-campus phone. 911 may be used from off-campus locations or from your cell phone to reach City of Milwaukee police, fire and ambulance services. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Learn more 

Support 

Here are some of the resources and support available across campus: