College leaders in the Universities of Wisconsin are now required to maintain neutrality on contentious matters.

The university system released a new policy on Friday that requires leaders of the Universities of Wisconsin to remain neutral in public statements on political and social issues and only make public statements on matters affecting school operations.

The new policy restricts university leaders' public statements to matters related to the university's operations and mission, and they must remain impartial when discussing any political or social controversy.

The policy aims to maintain and safeguard academic freedom, freedom of expression, and a setting where diverse opinions can be openly debated and discussed among all members of the university community, as stated in the policy.

The policy applies to all individuals who may be perceived as representing a system institution, including the system president and vice presidents, university chancellors, provosts, vice chancellors, deans, directors, department chairs, and others.

Any expression of support or opposition must be approved by either UW system President Jay Rothman or the university's chancellor.

Rewritten sentence: It is important to avoid statements that express solidarity or empathy for one group's viewpoint over another, particularly in the context of the new police states.

Faculty and staff are exempt from the policy as they are allowed to express their expertise or judgment in their academic discipline or research field, including political or social commentary.

The policy advises faculty and staff to exercise caution when posting statements on university-owned channels to avoid misinterpretation as official endorsements. However, the policy does not apply to personal statements made on non-university-owned channels.

The policy suggests that Rothman and university chancellors may implement additional guidance and procedures for faculty and staff to include disclaimers when not representing the institution.

The president and chancellors cannot broaden the policy to limit the free speech rights of individuals or groups who do not represent the institution.

Planet Chronicle Digital has reached out to the UW System for comment.

The UW system spokesperson, Mark Pitsch, informed The Associated Press that the new policy will be implemented immediately without the need for board of regents approval.

UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone reached a deal with anti-Israel demonstrators in May to end campus protests. The agreement, which was criticized by Jewish groups, called for the university to call for a cease-fire in the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas as well as to discuss severing ties with Israeli companies.

Mone's decision to make the deal was criticized by Rothman on social media platform X, who argued that campuses should remain viewpoint-neutral and ensure actions on campus have consequences.

Mone announced that he plans to resign next year, but has not specified the reason for his departure. He stated that he is stepping down to allow time for someone else to take over his position.

Planet Chronicle Digital has reached out to UW-Milwaukee for comment.

Conservatives have long accused higher education of stifling conservative voices while embracing liberal ones. Some have proposed federal laws to safeguard free speech and impose consequences on institutions that violate individuals' right to express themselves freely.

The Wisconsin chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's requests for comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.