Last week, the Universities of Wisconsin System followed in the footsteps of Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania in announcing an institutional neutrality policy supporting academic freedom. UPenn’s interim president stated, “Although well-meaning, these institutional messages fundamentally compete with the free and unencumbered creation and expression of ideas by individuals.” A spokesperson for the UW System echoed the same sentiment, saying the new rules for all public Wisconsin universities are necessary to “uphold academic freedom and an environment where ideas can compete freely.” Under the new policy, university leaders can issue public statements only on matters that directly impact university operations and they must maintain viewpoint neutrality when doing so.

This is a refreshing move from three institutions that have finally realized issuing polarizing political statements does more harm than good for faculty, students, and the school’s reputation. University leaders should focus less on “social justice” and more on creating an environment where free thinkers thrive and students, including conservatives, feel comfortable expressing their unique viewpoints. We hope universities around the nation soon adopt similar policies. We’re proud the UW System is leading the way.

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