The bills, now heading to Governor Tony Evers’ desk, are a direct response to the “civility problem” plaguing higher education—a crisis that turned deadly last year with the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
“IT PASSED 53-45”
The flagship measure, Senate Bill 498, is a game-changer. It strictly prohibits the University of Wisconsin System from restricting free speech using “time, place, or manner” loopholes. It also bans the use of restrictive “free speech zones” that quarantine conservative voices to tiny corners of campus.
Most importantly, the bill has teeth. If a university is found to violate these protections multiple times, it triggers a mandatory freeze on tuition increases for two years.
“We cannot allow violence or intimidation to become a normalized substitute for free debate,” said the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, noting that one-in-three students now believe violence is an acceptable response to speech they dislike.
JUSTICE FOR CHARLIE
The legislation comes just months after the nation was rocked by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk was gunned down on a Utah college campus on September 10 by Tyler Robinson, a radicalized leftist.
Robinson, 22, is now facing seven charges, including aggravated murder. Utah prosecutors have filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty.
FBI Director Kash Patel provided a grim update on the case during a briefing last month.
“The best thing we can do to honor my friend Charlie Kirk’s life is to make sure that everyone involved is prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Patel declared. “We are running out absolutely every single lead.“
ENDING HIDDEN FEES
In a double victory, the Legislature also passed Senate Bill 532, which cracks down on universities charging “hidden fees” for online courses.
The bill prevents the UW System from charging extra for online or hybrid classes unless they can prove “actual additional costs.” Supporters argue this will stop colleges from treating students like cash cows while providing remote instruction.
With the bills now on Governor Evers’ desk, the ball is in the Democrats’ court. Will they sign these common-sense protections, or will they stand with the radicals who believe violence is the answer to free speech?
