Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB553

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/23/23
• Refer: 10/23/23
• Report Pass: 11/2/23
• Refer: 11/2/23
• Engrossed: 11/7/23
• Refer: 11/9/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

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)

Impact

If enacted, AB553 would reform the existing landscape of academic governance by mandating better adherence to First Amendment rights and defining expectations for free speech among students and faculty. Institutions must also ensure due process rights in disciplinary proceedings, giving students and staff the right to representation. The bill stipulates that institutions conducting multiple violations within ten years would lose eligibility for Wisconsin grant allocations, thus placing financial pressure on those failing to comply with its provisions.

Summary

Assembly Bill 553 seeks to enhance protections for free speech and academic freedom within institutions of the University of Wisconsin System and technical colleges. The bill enforces that these entities cannot restrict First Amendment rights, enforce extreme time, place, and manner regulations on expressive activities, or create 'free speech zones' that limit where individuals can express themselves. It emphasizes that expressive conduct must not disrupt institutional functions to be protected under this legislation. Institutions found in violation may face civil actions, penalties, and reduced state funding.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding AB553 include concerns about the balance between protecting free speech and maintaining orderly conduct on campus. Critics argue that the broad definitions regarding speech could lead to disruptions in academic environments, while proponents assert the need to safeguard academic inquiry and expression from being curtailed by administrative policy. The bill also raises implications regarding the potential for civil suits against educational institutions, should they infringe upon the rights it seeks to protect.