Madison, WI – Today, Representative Duchow (R-Delafield) voted to restore fairness, accountability, and constitutional protections within Wisconsin’s public higher education system. The Assembly approved two measures, Senate Bill 498 and Senate Bill 652, aimed at strengthening free speech protections and ensuring student support programs are based on genuine disadvantage.
Senate Bill 498 reinforces First Amendment protections for free speech on college campuses across the Universities of Wisconsin, including UW–Madison, and the state’s technical colleges. The bill safeguards academic freedom by prohibiting restrictions on research and lecture topics. It also clearly outlines a process for redress and guarantees due process protections in disciplinary proceedings, ensuring that students and faculty are treated fairly.
Senate Bill 652 modifies requirements related to certain race-based programs in higher education. The legislation replaces race-based criteria with the term “disadvantaged undergraduate students,” broadening eligibility to focus on individuals who face socioeconomic challenges. The updated language is intended to ensure support reaches students who truly need assistance, regardless of race, while promoting equal treatment under the law.
Both bills have been passed by the State Senate and now await action by the Governor.
Representative Duchow urges the Governor to sign the bills into law and reaffirm Wisconsin’s commitment to fairness, academic freedom, and equal opportunity.
