Statement from Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman

MADISON, Wis.-Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman issued this statement today regarding the enforcement action at UW-Madison:

"The free exchange of ideas through open dialogue and debate is a hallmark of the Universities of Wisconsin. We support the First Amendment and the right to free expression - including through legal protest - and we continue to uphold these ideals, even in the face of difficult and competing demands.

"We commit to upholding free speech rights while simultaneously upholding the law and our mission to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our community.

"UW-Madison took action to ensure compliance with applicable law and in fulfillment of its commitment to all students and the campus community. I commend Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin for her reasonableness and resolve, as well as her commitment to free expression and the safety and security of her students."

The Universities of Wisconsin serve more than 162,500 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin's talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin's culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu.