Some key policies and procedures to know when organizing a protest or other event on UWM’s campus:
- UWM Interim Expressive Activity on Campus Policy
- UWM Facility Use Policies and Procedures
- Chapter UWS 17: Disruption/violation of university rules, nonacademic misconduct
- Chapter UWS 18 Conduct on University Lands: Signs; picketing, rallies, demonstrations and other assemblies; sound amplification
- Chapter UWS 21 Use of University Facilities
- Universities of Wisconsin Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression
- UWM Protests in University Buildings Policy
- UWM Student Union Major/Special Events Guidelines and Procedures
- Guidance on Statements and Current Events
Civil Disobedience
While protesting is a constitutional right, that does not permit all forms of protest. Civil disobedience is a form of protest where people peacefully and intentionally break the law to bring attention to their cause.
Violating university policy or state or federal law is not a right, nor is it protected by the First Amendment. Students, student organizations, university employees and visitors who participate in unlawful activity as part of a protest are subject to consequences including citations or university disciplinary processes. Civil disobedience does not create a defense to these consequences. It means that people are prepared to accept the applicable punishment as part of their protest.