Assembly To Take Up Campus Speech Bill Wednesday

The state Assembly will meet in the state Capitol on Wednesday to vote of a variety of bills, including proposed changes to free speech policies on University of Wisconsin System campuses.

Under the proposal, students who disrupt campus events at UW System schools could be expelled.

The bill would set new rules for free speech and expression on system campuses. That includes penalties for people who disrupt free expression on campus by engaging in, “violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, obscene, unreasonably loud or other disorderly conduct.”

Opponents to the bill argue the changes would violate the free speech rights of students who want to protest campus speakers. Supporters say the changes would encourage a greater diversity of political viewpoints on campus.

If passed, the bill would go to the state Senate.

The Assembly will also take up legislation that would limit who can request an election recount in Wisconsin, and a proposal to require background checks for voucher school teachers.