Wisconsin bill would boost free speech on UW campuses

Governor Tony Evers vetoed Senate Bill 498 on March 20, 2026, blocking a Republican-led measure aimed at strengthening free speech protections on University of Wisconsin System campuses and technical colleges.[1][3] The bill, passed by the Legislature along party lines in February, would have mandated annual First Amendment training, biennial surveys on political bias, bans on "free speech zones," and penalties like tuition freezes for repeated violations.[3][9] Evers had signaled his opposition earlier, arguing it addressed a non-existent problem on campuses.[1]

Introduced in October 2025 as SB 498 with companion AB 501, the legislation sought to protect students and faculty from administrative retaliation over speech, including due process in disciplinary cases and safeguards for objections to curricular content on political or religious grounds.[3][7] Supporters, including Republican lawmakers, cited surveys like one from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression showing some UW-Madison students tolerant of violence against speakers, while critics such as UW-Madison officials and the ACLU argued existing policies already suffice and the bill could spur legal headaches.[1][5][7] The UW System highlighted programs like BridgeMadison and the Wisconsin Exchange to foster dialogue.[1]

For Milwaukee residents, this veto maintains the status quo at UW-Milwaukee, avoiding potential tuition hikes or funding cuts that could raise costs for local students and families pursuing higher education.[3][9] It preserves university flexibility amid ongoing debates over campus ideology, ensuring Milwaukee's public colleges focus on education without added state mandates.

Lawmakers may revisit free speech measures in future sessions, but Evers' action underscores his reluctance to impose top-down rules on UW campuses.[1][3]