Madison Reporter

The Dean of Students, Christina Olstad, and UWPD Interim Chief, Brent Plisch, have delivered a message to the UW–Madison community emphasizing the importance of upholding rights and responsibilities during campus protests.

In their message, Olstad highlighted the campus's commitment to promoting the free exchange of ideas through open dialogue, free inquiry, and healthy debate, stating, "A longstanding priority of our campus... is to promote the free exchange of ideas through open dialogue, free inquiry, and healthy and robust debate."

Plisch echoed this sentiment, expressing the institution's deep value for the right to free expression and its consistent support for those exercising this right within the boundaries of the law and campus policies. He stated, "We deeply value the right to free expression and have consistently supported those on our campus... who have chosen to exercise this right in a variety of ways, including through protest, within the boundaries of law and campus policies."

The message comes in the wake of recent protests on college campuses nationwide, with the UW–Madison administration emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals' rights to free expression, including protest, while ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Olstad and Plisch underlined the university's commitment to following state laws and regulations and preventing disruptions to university functions.

For those considering protest activities, the university encourages adherence to campus protest policies and regulations outlined in Chapter 18 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code. The university also reminds individuals of the consequences for failing to abide by these limitations, both within the code of student conduct and under Wisconsin law.

As the academic year draws to a close, the university urges the community to continue engaging in civil and respectful conversations around divisive issues. Support and resources, including protest guidelines, are available to students, faculty, and staff seeking to exercise their rights within the established limitations.

In conclusion, Olstad and Plisch expressed gratitude for the community's efforts and wished everyone a safe and healthy end to the academic year.

For further information, individuals can contact the Dean of Students Office for students or the Division of Teaching and Learning for instructors.