Consistent with Universities of Wisconsin guidance, UWM endeavors to maintain viewpoint neutrality and does not make public statements on issues that do not impact its educational mission. Please refer to the UWs interim administrative policy on institutional statements.
Still, faculty are often asked to speak out on public issues and current events. Here is guidance for those considering such statements.
Representing the University
The chancellor is the only person authorized to speak on behalf of UWM or to designate someone to speak on behalf of UWM.
Anyone else must make it clear that they are speaking on their own behalf, not as a spokesperson for or representative of the university.
Subunit Statements
Departments or other subunits should not issue statements on public events or issues that do not maintain viewpoint neutrality and/or do not impact their educational mission. In the case that a department or subunit is issuing a statement that meets the system guidance, subunits should:
- Ensure their message is consistent with the institutional message.
- Receive approval from their division head.
- Academic departments should get approval from their dean as well as the provost.
- After approval by the division head or dean, the approving authority at the college or division level should consult with Olivia (Liv) Hwang, the vice chancellor for Marketing, Communications & University Relations, before issuing or posting their statement.
Departments and subunits also should examine what associations within higher education specific to their educational or research area are doing and consider adding their voices to a broader group statement, rather than issuing their own. They should ensure that all group statements are consistent with this guidance.
UWM has a checklist for use by subunits considering a statement.
Faculty Experts
Faculty members may wish to add their voice to public discussion on issues and events where they have expertise. In these situations, they should:
- Make it clear that they are speaking as academic experts and not as a spokesperson for the university or their department.
- Clearly articulate their academic qualifications and stay within the bounds of their expertise.
- Present their comment as an academic review/analysis for public consideration.
- Avoid taking a political position.
- Exercise caution when speculating about actions or events that have not yet taken place.
UWM Subunit Statement Checklist
- Statement is directly related to the department or subunit educational mission.
- Statement maintains viewpoint neutrality.
- Statement is consistent with UWM’s institutional message.
- Statement has been approved by dean or division head.
- Statement has been approved by UWM Vice Chancellor for Marketing, Communications & University Relations.