Freedom of Expression

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville students, faculty and staff have the freedom to discuss any subject that presents itself, as the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I of the Wisconsin Constitution permit. Students and employees shall be permitted to assemble and engage in spontaneous expressive activity as long as such activity does not materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of an institution. 

Read more about UW-Platteville’s and the UW System Board of Regents’ Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.

Information regarding policies, best practices, and rules regarding protesting, counter-protest and free speech have been compiled. This is not an exhaustive list and should not be considered legal advice. If any person(s) or groups would like to exhibit their freedom of expression in an organized way they are encouraged to review all these policies in close detail, as well as work with appropriate campus offices prior to activism to plan for the safety of everyone involved. 

Public Gatherings

To ensure safe and appropriate usage of facilities, individuals and groups are encouraged to meet with the appropriate university officials in Events Services and University Police.

  • Assemblies, rallies, parades, pickets, and demonstrations are normally considered exterior or outdoor activities.
  • Exterior university space may be reserved to ensure usage of desired areas. Reserved space is considered an authorized activity and can be afforded additional event protections.
  • For assistance with the organizational and administrative aspects of the event planning, contact Event Services at 608.342.1451 or EventReservations@uwplatt.edu.

“…University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.” – University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, 1894

Protest and Demonstration Guidance

Organizing a Protest

While vigorous discourse and the sharing of ideas is vital to our university, the rights of others to participate in learning, teaching, and other campus events and activities must not be infringed upon. The UW System has specific guidelines for protest activities that protect the rights of all members of the university community. These are found in UWS 18.11(4). Failure to abide by these regulations may result in action by the University Police and/or the Dean of Students Office. 

Some general parameters are listed here:

  • Do not block egress to and from campus buildings, offices, and classrooms.
  • Use of the university logo is strictly prohibited.
  • Signs supported by standards or sticks are not allowed in university buildings.
  • Noise that interferes with classes, events, and other activities is not allowed.
  • Sound amplification can only be used with prior permission.
  • Demonstrations or behavior that obstruct or seriously impair university events/activities are not allowed.
  • Utilizing space inside a university building to distribute information is only allowed with prior approval.

Sound Amplification

Full details on the use of sound amplification can be found in UWS 18.11(5).

Any request for permission must be submitted to the chief of University Police at least 24 hours prior to event.

Request must include:

  • Signature of student or employee applying for use.
  • Hours, date, and location where equipment will be used.
  • Size of anticipated audience and reasons for using equipment.
  • Description of equipment including manufacturer, model number, and wattage.
  • Names of the owners of the equipment and anyone, in addition to applicant, who will be responsible for operating equipment and maintaining compliance with permitted usage.

Use of equipment will not be granted if the request fails to follow the guidelines below:

  • Will only be used during the hours of noon–1:30 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. every day.
  • Equipment must be more than 50 feet away and directed away from buildings.
  • Audience is anticipated to be at least 250 people.
  • Applicant shall control volume and direction of sound to minimize interference with other activities.

Permits are not required for use of university sound-amplifying equipment used with permission, for university sponsored events, or for authorized university officials.

“Sound-amplifying equipment” means any device or machine which is capable of amplifying sound and capable of delivering an electrical input of one or more watts to the loudspeaker.

Public Safety Considerations

Review UWS 18.10 for more details.

  • No person may carry, possess or use any dangerous weapon.
  • Lighting of fires and fireworks are prohibited.
  • Carry-in disposable containers are banned.
  • Assaultive behaviors are prohibited.
  • Throwing hard objects.
  • Skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, in-line skates and other wheeled devices may not be used on university land.
  • Motor vehicles may not operate off the roadway.
  • Police officers may not be resisted or obstructed.
  • Accommodations for accessibility should be considered.

Protest areas on campus

As a public university, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a free speech institution, so there is not a designated free speech zone.

To comply with various guidelines, the area between Boebel Hall and the Markee Pioneer Student Center has been identified as an effective protest area on the main campus without interfering with university functions.

If you disagree with a protest or speaker

  • If you are aware of, or experiencing a protest, disengaging is always an option. You are not required to interact with a group that you are not comfortable with.
  • If you feel that a protest is not following the required restrictions, contact University Police at 608.342.1584.
  • Do not respond with physical violence or threats of violence.

Do's and Don'ts of Protesting

  • Do not block egress to and from campus buildings, offices, and classrooms. (Per NFPA 101, Wisconsin SPS 375.25, UWSA Chap 18 and City of Platteville Chap. 24.55)
  • Use of the university logo is strictly prohibited. The university’s logo is a registered trademark and may not be used to promote non-university activities or to imply endorsement.
  • Signs supported by standards or sticks are not allowed in university buildings. (Per UWS 18.11(4)(a)2.e)
  • Demonstrations or behavior that obstruct or seriously impair university classes, events and/or activities are not allowed. (Per UWS 18.11(4)(a)2)
  • Sound amplification can only be used with prior permission. (Per UWS 18.11(4)(a)3 and UWS 18(5)) 
  • Utilizing space inside a university building to distribute information is only allowed with prior approval. Contact the Markee Pioneer Student Center at 608.342.1895 or infocenter@uwplatt.edu.

Additional Resources

Board of Regents Policies

UW System Policies

UW-Platteville Policies

Questions or concerns

For questions or concerns for University Police, visit https://www.uwplatt.edu/department/university-police.

For questions, concerns, or complaints about bias or hate incidents, visit https://www.uwplatt.edu/department/diversity-equity-inclusion/university-bias-incident-team.