Republican bill targets hecklers of speakers on UW system campuses

Wide range of punishments in bill for hecklers

A pair of Wisconsin legislators are calling on the UW system to prohibit students from yelling and heckling scheduled speakers on campus. 

Jesse Kremer and Robin Vos’s bill says UW schools would have to remain neutral on public policy issues, and punish students who disrupt speakers. 

UWL Chancellor Joe Gow says thankfully the issue doesn’t happen locally

“I don’t know if this is as serious of a matter here as it has been on other campuses, particularly California-Berkeley. I’m not sure how we would really go about enforcing that.”

Gow says he prides himself on promoting an image of respectful dialogue and open conversations.

“Students, faculty, and staff are very civil when they engage in debate. That’s the way we want to keep it. We certainly work hard in promoting a culture where it’s ok to disagree, but we need to do it in a respectful way.”

Conservative voice Ann Coulter has had two speeches canceled at UC-Berkeley because of safety concerns.