OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — University of Wisconsin System President, Jay Rothman, has announced the results of the System’s survey of student attitudes on free speech and free expression.
Rothman said more than 10,000 students responded to the survey, with a profile that parallels the UW System student body.
The survey results will serve as a roadmap for UW System universities to help students better understand their First Amendment rights and responsibilities.
“Our universities have to be marketplaces of ideas,” said Rothman. “Where students are exposed to various ideas and perspectives that will help them improve their ability to think critically and creatively.”
Rothman initially released the results on his Twitter page, and on Wednesday spoke at the UW-Oshkosh campus on the findings.
Survey results show most students are “very” or “extremely” comfortable with expressing their views. Rothman shared why some students aren’t comfortable expressing their views.
“Some worry that other students will disagree with their views, or that the instructor would find their views offensive and give them a lower grade.” said Rothman.
When asked about the First Amendment, about one-third say they learned about the First Amendment in class.
To see the full survey results, click here.
