Wisconsin university panel to vote on freedom of speech

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Wisconsin university panel to vote on freedom of speech
Todd Richmond, Associated Press
Updated 1:49 pm, Thursday, December 10, 2015

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A University of Wisconsin System regents committee is set to consider a resolution Thursday affirming a commitment to free speech, after the chancellor of its Madison campus wrote a blog on civil rights that some professors complained could have the effect of inhibiting debate over ideas.

The regents' Education Committee is expected to vote on the resolution during a meeting Thursday afternoon on the UW-Madison campus. Approval would send the measure to the full Board of Regents on Friday.

"Of course, different ideas in the university community will often and quite naturally conflict," the resolution states. "But it is not the proper role of the university to attempt to shield individuals from ideas and opinions they, or others, find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive."

UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank wrote in her blog on Nov. 13, a day after UW students held a street protest to show support for black students at the University of Missouri, that no one is entitled to "express (their thoughts) in ways that diminish others, or that devalues the presence of anyone that is part of our Badger community."

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/education/article/Regents-committee-to-vote-on-freedom-of-speech-6688944.php

[brooklynite]

1. I strongly agree

[Android3.14]

2. With what do you agree?

The chancellor or the regents?

[brooklynite]

3. I am a free speech absolutist...

...especially on a college campus where developing and debating a range of idea is part of the goal.

[Android3.14]

4. You and me both

It's nice to find some common ground. Have a good day brooklynite.

[NutmegYankee]

10. Thank you!

Count me in.

[Matthew28]

5. Free speech all the way

[HassleCat]

6. Badger commnity?

The school is populated by badgers? I thought Bucky Badger was the mascot or symbol of the athletic teams. Now it seems there is a community of badgers attending UW and they are offended about something. So confusing.

[NobodyHere]

7. You've never been to Wisconsin have you

[HassleCat]

8. Not since the first 20 years of my life

And a couple trips a year to visit family and friends.

[riversedge]

12. UW-Madison is my Alma-mater. I am always a Badger and belong to the

Badger community. All for one and one for all

[Ed Suspicious]

14. We are all Packers, Badgers, Brewers, and Bucks.

We identify strongly with our schools/sports teams here. Personally I'm also a Titan and a Spartan. Some days I'm a Phoenix, Panther, Golden Eagle, etc.

[romanic]

9. Its sad that there has to be a vote on this.

Come on now. -_-

[riversedge]

11. UPDATED---> Wisconsin university panel endorses free speech

http://www.chron.com/news/education/article/Regents-committee-to-vote-on-freedom-of-speech-6688944.php

Wisconsin university panel endorses free speech

Todd Richmond, Associated Press Updated 5:02 pm, Thursday, December 10, 2015

0

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A University of Wisconsin System regents committee unanimously approved a resolution Thursday affirming a commitment to free speech, following the lead of schools around the country that have faced protests over racial tensions and other social issues.

The regents' Education Committee approved the resolution after Chairman Gerald Whitburn recounted how he picketed George Wallace when the Alabama governor known for his segregationist polices appeared at UW-Oshkosh and how he watched protesters march in Madison when Martin Luther King Jr. was killed.

"There is a ripple in the air today suggesting it is a good and appropriate thing to reiterate and reaffirm our strong commitment to ... these principles and values," Whitburn said.

UW's resolution states that ideas on a university campus will naturally conflict but a school shouldn't shield people from remarks or concepts they might find offensive.....................

[Nailzberg]

13. I'm a fan of free speech. But not the Badgers.

I haven't crossed into WI since Illinois joined Powerball.

[Javaman]

15. isn't it a sad state of affairs that, while it's our basic constitutional right,

it is coming up for a vote to allow it?


we are a wreck.