UW System schools will now be required to maintain neutral political viewpoints thanks to a new rule from UW System administrators. A spokesperson said the new regulations are necessary to, quote, “uphold academic freedom and an environment where ideas can compete freely,” end quote. Under the new policy, university leaders can issue public statements only on matters that directly impact university operations and they must maintain viewpoint neutrality when doing so.
This announcement comes on the heels of a couple of other major academic institutions adopting similar policies. We can only hope this reflects a broader shift in the academic world. University leaders should focus less on so-called “social justice” and more on creating an environment where students, including conservatives, feel comfortable expressing their unique viewpoints.
