Academic freedom and free speech within the UW System
The concepts of academic freedom and support for freedom of expression have a long history within the University of Wisconsin System.
1894 – Statement by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents
“…Whatever may be the limitations which trammel inquiry elsewhere, we believe that the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage the continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”
1922 – Formal amending of University of Wisconsin Board of Regents policies to include 1894 statement
Specifying that the statement applied “…to teaching in the classroom and to the use of university halls for public addresses, under the control of the president of the University with appeal to the regents.”
1949 – University of Wisconsin Board of Regents statement
“…An opportunity critically to study the proposals and claims of systems alien to our own is the intellectual right of every student. And freedom to explore and discuss the issues in the field of his special competence is the right of every teacher…”
1962 – University Vice President Fred Harrington statement to the Board of Regents
“…[W]e at Wisconsin have not been afraid to speak out. We of the faculty, and you of the Board of Regents, have be in favor of freedom of speech and academic freedom. In fact, Wisconsin has been one of the leaders of the country in this field. We are abused for this, sometimes, but we have persevered and we have made a national contribution. Other institutions often have been praised for doing things on occasion with reference to free speech that we do routinely. This is an important part of our greatness. I am pleased that members of this Board have felt so and insisted on retention of this tradition…”
1964 – University of Wisconsin Board of Regents statement
“…The concept of intellectual freedom is based upon confidence in man’s capacity for growth in comprehending the university and on faith of unshackled intelligence. The University is not partisan to any party or ideology, but it is devoted to the discover of truth and to understanding the world in which we live. The Regents take this opportunity to rededicate themselves to maintaining in this University those conditions which are indispensable for the flowering of the human mind.”
1985 - Acting President Katherine Lyall statement to the Board of Regents
“…Disagreement and debate is the stuff of which learning is made. We do not fear it, but it should be done openly and without threat or coercion. Great universities share this common commitment to open expression.”
1994 – University of Wisconsin Board of Regents statement marking 100th anniversary of 1894 statement
Calling upon “…all members of our several academic communities – administrators, faculty, staff, and students alike – to guard this precious legacy, to consider differing points of view, and always engage in ‘that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.'”
2016 – University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Chancellor Bernie Patterson statement on respecting diversity of opinion
“…At the core of any university is the ability to express ideas, even unpopular ones. This is the foundation of academic freedom, It ensures that free flow of ideas and opinions, even those offensive to some. We value diversity of opinion and freedom of speech. Civil discourse does not bean we all have to agree. Quite the opposite. Civil discourse is the means by which we express diversity of ideas, diversity of thoughts, diversity of perspectives. It is the minimum standard we expect of all.”
2017 - University of Wisconsin Board of Regents Commitment to Freedom of Expression statement
“…the Board of Regents and the University of Wisconsin System are committed to honoring freedom of speech and expression as the System reviews existing policies to ensure each of our campuses supports and maintains an environment where civil discussions can occur as students learn, study, and prepare for their futures.”
2017 – Regent Policy 4-21: Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression
“The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System has a longstanding tradition of support for academic freedom, dating back to 1894 and the famous “sifting and winnowing” statement contained in the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents’ Final Report on the Trial of Richard Ely. The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System hereby reiterates its commitment to the principle of academic freedom and affirms its commitment to the principle of freedom of expression.”
Sources:
Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, Education Committee Agenda and Materials. December 2015
Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, Resolution II.3.c.
UW-Stevens Point Chancellor’s Statement, Respecting diversity of opinion
Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, Regent Policy Document 4-21