In the latest sign that virtually everything is politically divisive, the location of President Donald Trump's Jan. 14 campaign rally has become something of an issue because it bears the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's name and its Panther mascot.

Opposition spilled across social media in the days following the official announcement, with commenters suggesting that it gave the appearance of UWM endorsing the event. Some went further, saying a Trump rally is the equivalent of a "hate rally" and questioning where the line is between free speech and what is acceptable at an inclusive, diverse public university.

Chancellor Mark Mone this week published a letter to the UWM community, noting first that UWM neither owns nor books the UWM Panther Arena. The university bought naming rights to the building in 2014 but has no control over scheduling decisions beyond its own events.

Mone went on to note the university has historically hosted presidential candidate visits from across the political spectrum and will continue to do so.

"As a public university, we do not restrict the use of our facilities based on the content of any individual or entity’s message," Mone wrote. "Such viewpoint neutrality is consistent with our commitment to free speech and academic freedom and is legally required of us as a public entity."

It's a debate that is sure to continue as the contentious 2020 campaign moves on with Milwaukee and Wisconsin serving as an important stage for both parties. Trump was last in Milwaukee in July, and he held a rally in Ashwaubenon in April. Milwaukee will host the Democratic National Convention this summer just a few blocks away from Trump's venue next week.

Tuesday's Trump rally is planned on the same night as the airing of the next Democratic debate.

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Kami Yelk, a junior at UWM who also chairs College Democrats of Wisconsin, said she understands Mone's points, but said the university should be more discerning .

"I know there is free speech, but I think when it's so divisive and negative and hurtful, that there has to be a line drawn somewhere and UWM has been terrible about that," Yelk said.

Still, others on social media agreed with Mone's message, questioning what the harm in hearing out different sides could be — especially since it's the side of a sitting president campaigning for reelection. Mone also noted the university recognizes the "monumental" difference between free speech and the use of violence or other illegal actions to silence, intimidate or hurt others.

College students will be a key voter group in the upcoming election.

"In the months leading up to the November election, we will undoubtedly be faced with choices about how we communicate in a society with heightened divisiveness and limited openness to opposing ideas," Mone said. "Our logic and emotions will be tested. This is as it should be at a public university. We have the unique opportunity — and responsibility — to educate people to question ideas, to rise above senseless hatred, and to model empathy, awareness and engagement when encountering views different than our own."

Contact Devi Shastri at 414-224-2193 or DAShastri@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @DeviShastri.