The News: The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) and Mountain States Legal Foundation (MSLF) have received a notification from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW). UW is amending the agreement with Young America’s Foundation (YAF) to remove the unprecedented demand for payment of security costs. The event will move forward as scheduled.

 

UW-Madison previously required the student organization to cover “security” costs—estimated at over $4,000—despite never charging YAF or any other student organization (left- or right-leaning) for these costs before. UW has now backed down.

 

The Quotes: Dan Lennington, WILL Deputy Counsel, stated, “We are committed to the relentless defense of constitutional rights, including the freedom of speech. Under no circumstance should a university treat any student group differently based on its viewpoints. UW-Madison learned an important lesson today, and we hope they do not repeat this oppressive behavior.”

 

Harrison Wells, Chairman of Young America’s Foundation at UW-Madison, added, “I am happy UW-Madison took this request seriously and allowed our event to move forward. A university must value diversity of thought and free speech—Wednesday’s event does just that.”