Republicans resurrect UW free-speech bill

By: Associated Press//August 13, 2019//

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican legislators are re-introducing a bill that would punish students with suspensions and expulsions for interfering with campus speeches and presentations

The state Assembly passed a bill last session that would suspend University of Wisconsin System students twice accused of disrupting others’ free speech. Students who disrupt others’ free expression a third time would be expelled.

The proposed sanctions died in the Senate but were adopted by the UW regents as policy in October.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, Sen. Chris Kapenga and reps. Cody Horlacher and Dave Murphy re-introduced the bill Tuesday. Adoption would cement the sanctions in statute.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment on the bill’s prospects.

Melissa Baldauff, a spokeswoman for Gov. Tony Evers, also didn’t immediately respond to an email.

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