As our fall semester is about to begin, we want to remind the campus community of key expectations for behavior around free speech and free expression, especially as we are in the final months of a presidential election cycle. UWM remains committed to supporting safe and lawful free speech and expression, but UWM also must focus on ensuring the physical safety of our campus community. In no case does UWM condone language that targets individuals or specific populations, even if that speech is legally protected. UWM will enforce all state laws, Universities of Wisconsin and UWM policies, and our university’s student and student organization codes of conduct.
This fall, UWM will be educating the campus community about free speech, lawful protest and campus conduct not only for new students, but also for our continuing students and our faculty and staff.
Free speech and its limits
UWM, and every member of our campus community, must respect each individual’s right to speak freely and take part in peaceful protests and demonstrations.
We are a public university, and this distinction is crucial when it comes to the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. As a public institution, UWM cannot, with very few exceptions, regulate or sanction speech based on its content or the viewpoint of the person speaking.
Hate speech is offensive and hurtful; however, it is generally protected by the First Amendment. Learn more about hate speech in this FAQ.
UWM can, however, regulate speech based on the time, place and manner it occurs. Speech isn’t protected if it disrupts campus activities and operations. A rally in Spaights Plaza at 1 p.m. may be protected. But a rally in a class is not.
Other examples of speech that are not protected: Hecklers who shout down and try to drown out a speaker during a gathering – that’s misconduct. Harassment, defamation, speech that unduly intimidates someone, threats and imminent incitement of violence are examples of speech that is not protected by the First Amendment.
UWM can take action to address time, place and manner violations, disruptions, and speech that is not protected by the First Amendment.
Encampments, building occupation and other obstructions
Encampments and occupation of buildings violate state law. An encampmentincludes, but is not limited to, pitching tents and the overnight use of sleeping bags, blankets and makeshift shelters. In addition, it is prohibited to erect any structures on university property.
Building occupations are also prohibited both when buildings are open for public use and after closing hours. This includes obstructing access and movement within buildings, entering rooms and offices without permission, or assembling outside rooms and offices when they are normally in use for classes, research, and other university business.
If encampments are erected or university buildings are occupied, UWM will take appropriate action to enforce the rules, including ending the encampment or occupation, issuing citations and initiating student conduct and student organization conduct disciplinary processes. Protests must abide by state law and university policy.
Chalking and postings
Chalk messages must be limited to outdoor walking surfaces that are completely exposed to the sky. Vertical surfaces (such as walls and posts) and unexposed areas (such as walkways under overhangs) may not be chalked. Only water-soluble material may be used, and such material must easily dissipate in the rain. Any chalking, painting or other forms of stenciling that do not comply with these guidelines may be removed and treated as an act of vandalism.
No person may erect, post or attach any notices, posters, pictures or any item of a similar nature in or on any building or upon other university property except on regularly established bulletin boards, or as otherwise authorized. Unauthorized postings may be removed.
Additionally, message content is subject to applicable law and UWM policies, including UWM’s Discriminatory Conduct Policy (SAAP 5-1).
Campus safety
UWM is committed to a safe campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Students and employees are encouraged to download the Rave Guardian app — a safety tool that connects you directly with UWM Police Department resources. Use the app as a virtual safe walk companion, to receive emergency alerts and to text directly with the UWMPD.
In an emergency, please call the UWM Police Department at 911 on a UWM Teams account or 414-229-9911 on a cellphone or off-campus phone. 911 may be used from off-campus locations or from your cell phone to reach City of Milwaukee police, fire and ambulance services.
Learn more
- Read UWM’s Statement on Free Speech
- See the employee guidelines on statements
- See employee guidance on political activity
- Read the Universities of Wisconsin Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression
Support
Here are some of the resources and support available across campus:
- Hate/Bias Reporting Form for any student or employee who believes they have been subjected to, or who has witnessed, an incident of hate or bias
- Support U website for a list of various health, financial and other resources and information
- Dean of Students Office
- UWM Police Support
- UWM Employee Assistance Program