Republican members argued that their ideas are under fire on college campuses from left-leaning students and faculty, saying the legislation was needed to preserve open debate at UW institutions and protect the free speech rights of controversial speakers.

Rep. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, said the bill would ensure “there is no idea or issue that will be shouted down in a public forum.”

Democrats painted the legislation as an unnecessary overreach by Republican lawmakers who want to shut down protests they disagree with.

“There is no problem that you’re trying to solve here, other than an agenda issue for your party,” said Rep. Terese Berceau, D-Madison.

Disciplinary process

The amended bill directs the UW Board of Regents to create a disciplinary process that sanctions students who engage in “violent or other disorderly conduct that materially and substantially disrupts the free expression of others.” The legislation previously barred a wider range of disruptive speech that Kremer acknowledged was too vague.

It also states that System institutions must “strive to remain neutral” on public policy controversies.