Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin are advancing a bill to bolster free speech protections on University of Wisconsin System campuses and technical colleges, despite strong opposition from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who has signaled his intent to veto the measure.

Assembly Bill 501, introduced by Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) in October 2025, seeks to codify principles of academic freedom and expression, ensuring students and faculty can engage in open discourse without fear of reprisal. The legislation comes after compelling testimony before the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities, including accounts from UW-Madison students who claimed they were forced to align their coursework with professors’ political views to pass classes.

The bill cleared a key hurdle in December when the committee, which includes Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk (R), voted 7-4 to recommend passage. It now sits in the Rules Committee, awaiting a full Assembly vote.

Rep. Brent Jacobson (R), a vocal supporter, emphasized the bill’s straightforward goal in a statement: “I am entirely supportive of this bill. It intends to protect free speech on college campuses – plain and simple. Why Governor Evers would pre-judge the bill is as disappointing as it is surprising.”

Jacobson continued, framing the legislation as a necessary reminder to the UW System: “As I see it, the bill is yet another attempt by my Republican colleagues to remind the UW system that it operates an institution of higher learning that should welcome and foster speech from all viewpoints without fear of reprisal or suppression. Threats to stand in the way of rather than beside such efforts are unbecoming of one who would label himself the ‘Education Governor’.”

Gov. Evers has dismissed the need for the bill, asserting there is “little question” of a free speech crisis at UW institutions.

Supporters argue that the measure addresses real concerns, citing student testimony about ideological bias in grading and campus events. Critics, including some Democrats and university officials, worry it could chill academic discourse or lead to frivolous lawsuits.

If passed, AB 501 would allow individuals to sue the UW Board of Regents for violations, potentially imposing tuition freezes as penalties. Similar laws exist in over 20 states, including North Carolina and Colorado, where they have aimed to eliminate restrictive “free speech zones” and promote viewpoint neutrality.

As the 2025-26 legislative session progresses, the bill’s fate may hinge on Republican majorities in the Assembly and Senate, though Evers’ veto threat looms large.

Summary of Wisconsin Assembly Bill 501 (AB 501)

• Key Provisions: The bill establishes principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression that the University of Wisconsin (UW) System and technical colleges must adhere to, including protections against suppression of speech based on viewpoint, content, or political affiliation. It requires institutions to remain neutral on public policy controversies and prohibits them from compelling students, faculty, or staff to affirm or disavow specific political or ideological beliefs.
• Due Process in Disciplinary Proceedings: Mandates fair due process for any disciplinary actions related to speech, including the right to counsel, presumption of innocence, and access to evidence.
• Penalties for Violations: Institutions found violating free speech standards could face penalties, such as mandatory tuition freezes or reductions in state funding.
• Causes of Action: Allows individuals to file lawsuits against the UW Board of Regents or technical college district boards for violations of free speech rights, with potential for damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees.
• Reporting and Oversight: Requires annual reports on free speech incidents and policies, and mandates training for students and staff on free expression rights.
• Similar Bills/Laws in Other States: As of 2024, at least 23 states have enacted campus free speech protection laws, often prohibiting “free speech zones” (restricted areas for expression), ensuring viewpoint neutrality, and providing due process in speech-related discipline.
• Examples include:
  • North Carolina’s Restore/Preserve Free Speech Act (2017), which bans free speech zones, requires neutral policies on speakers, and mandates penalties for disrupting events.
  • Colorado’s Campus Free Speech Act (2017), which protects outdoor areas as public forums, prohibits disinviting speakers based on content, and allows lawsuits for violations.
  • Tennessee’s Campus Free Speech Protection Act (2017) emphasizes institutional neutrality and bans restrictive speech codes.
  • Utah’s Campus Individual Rights Act (2017), which safeguards expressive activities and requires annual free speech reports.
  • Virginia’s law (2017), focuses on preventing viewpoint discrimination and promoting open debate.
  • Other states like Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, and Washington have similar measures prohibiting free speech zones and ensuring legal recourse for violations.

Current Status

Introduced on October 9, 2025, by Rep. Amanda Nedweski and others; public hearing held on November 13, 2025; executive action on Dec. 10, 2025. As of Dec. 17, 2025, the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities recommended passage (7-4 vote), and it was referred to the Committee on Rules. It has not yet passed the Assembly, and Gov. Tony Evers has indicated he would veto it, citing no evidence of a free speech problem.

AI was used to research information about the bill.