WI
Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1065

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1065

Introduced
2/2/24  
Refer
2/2/24  
Report Pass
2/14/24  
Refer
2/14/24  
Engrossed
2/22/24  
Refer
2/26/24  
Enrolled
3/19/24  
Vetoed
3/29/24  

Caption

Prohibiting University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges from using loyalty pledges and requiring them to make certain information publicly available.

Votes

The current voting history indicates a close division among lawmakers, reflecting the contentious nature of the bill in legislative proceedings. As of March 12, 2024, the bill received 22 votes in favor and 10 against, showcasing a significant interest in advancing this measure despite its polarizing implications.

Impact

If passed, this bill would alter the landscape of policies within Wisconsin's educational institutions by removing provisions that currently might require expressions of loyalty to particular ideologies. This change is expected to enhance the academic freedom of faculty and students by preventing institutional bias against individuals based on their political beliefs. Additionally, institutions will be required to make publicly available their policies and training materials related to nondiscrimination and diversity, ensuring transparency in how these matters are handled.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1065 seeks to prohibit institutions within the University of Wisconsin System and technical colleges from imposing loyalty pledges on students and faculty. Specifically, the bill prohibits conditioning admission, financial aid, faculty hiring, and other institutional actions on an individual's or organization's allegiance to any political ideology or movement, including those concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion. The legislative intent is to safeguard individuals' rights to their political beliefs and ensure that educational institutions focus on academic merit rather than political affiliations.

Contention

The bill has sparked a debate among legislators and stakeholders, particularly regarding what constitutes justifiable academic practices versus ideological compliance. Critics argue that eliminating these loyalty pledges may open the door for prejudicial hiring practices or the suppression of essential educational programs aimed at promoting diversity and equity. Supporters counter that the bill is necessary to protect free speech and academic integrity, asserting that educational merit should not be overshadowed by political conformity.

Latest AB1065 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI SB988

Prohibiting University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges from using loyalty pledges and requiring them to make certain information publicly available.

WI AB553

Free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, due process in disciplinary proceedings at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, Wisconsin grant funding allocation, and causes of action against the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards. (FE)

WI SB575

Free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, due process in disciplinary proceedings at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, Wisconsin grant funding allocation, and causes of action against the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards. (FE)

WI SB367

Guaranteed admission to University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges and requiring high schools to prepare class rankings for certain pupils. (FE)

WI AB370

Guaranteed admission to University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges and requiring high schools to prepare class rankings for certain pupils. (FE)

WI HB2460

Substitute for HB 2460 by Committee on Higher Education Budget - Prohibiting postsecondary educational institutions from taking certain actions regarding admission applicants, applicants for employment and faculty concerning diversity, equity or inclusion, exceptions, providing for civil remedies and penalties, submitting a report to the legislature and posting information on the board of regents website.

WI HB2105

Prohibiting postsecondary educational institutions from taking certain actions regarding admission applicants, applicants for employment and faculty concerning diversity, equity or inclusion, exceptions, providing for civil remedies and penalties, submitting a report to the legislature and posting information on the board of regents website.

WI SB857

Faculty tenure and probationary appointments at University of Wisconsin System institutions and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

WI AB947

Faculty tenure and probationary appointments at University of Wisconsin System institutions and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

WI HB1246

"Requiring Efficiency For Our College and Universities System (REFOCUS) Act"; create to establish task force and to curtail discriminatory indoctrination.

Similar Bills

WI SB988

Prohibiting University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges from using loyalty pledges and requiring them to make certain information publicly available.

NJ A388

Establishes position of Ombudsman of Student Discipline to serve within Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.

NJ A4553

"Safer Students Act"; requires school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, contracted service providers, and institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employee for allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ S3485

"Safer Students Act"; requires school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, contracted service providers, and institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employee for allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ S2635

Requires institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employees who will have regular contact with students to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ A2700

Requires institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employees who will have regular contact with students to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ A5838

Requires institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employees who will have regular contact with students to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ S4235

Requires institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employees who will have regular contact with students to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.