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\u2019s codes of conduct for students and student organizations.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please visit the Free Speech, Rights and Limits site<\/a>, which includes more information on free speech, expressive activity, harassment and discrimination, safety and support resources.\u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n 51ÁÔÆæ, and every member of our campus community, must respect each individual\u2019s right to speak freely and take part in peaceful protests and demonstrations.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.\u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hate speech is offensive and hurtful; however, it is generally protected by the First Amendment.\u202fLearn more about hate speech in this FAQ<\/a>.\u202fSome types of speech aren\u2019t protected by the First Amendment, such as harassment<\/a>, defamation, speech that unduly intimidates someone,\u202fthreats<\/a>\u202fand\u202fimminent incitement of violence<\/a>.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n 51ÁÔÆæ can regulate speech based on the time, place and manner it occurs. Speech isn\u2019t 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.\u202fPlease refer to 51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s policy on expressive activity<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Encampments and occupation of buildings violate state law.\u202fAn encampment<\/a>\u202fincludes, 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.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Building occupations<\/a>\u202fare 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. \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chalk messages<\/a>\u202fmust 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. \u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.\u202fUnauthorized postings<\/a>\u202fmay be removed.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, message content is subject to applicable law and 51ÁÔÆæ policies, including\u202f51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s Discriminatory Conduct Policy (SAAP 5-1)<\/a>.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For those who plan to engage in any form of expressive activity on campus, here\u2019s what you need to know: <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 51ÁÔÆæ is committed to a safe campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors.\u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Students and employees are encouraged to download the\u202fRave Guardian app<\/a>\u202f\u2014 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.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the resources and support available across campus: <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35985,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","uwm_wg_additional_authors":[]},"categories":[15,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1025","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-communications","category-statements"],"yoast_head":"\nFree speech and its limits<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Encampments, building occupation and other obstructions<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Chalking and postings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Behavior expectations<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Campus safety<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Learn more<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Support<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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