5-30-17 assembly committee to vote on uw free speech bill

An Assembly committee plans to vote Tuesday on a revised bill that would punish students who disrupt speakers.  Rep. Jesse Kremer amended his bill Friday after critics said it was too vague.  The amended bill limits punishable behavior to violence or other disorderly conduct that disrupts free speech. The original bill would’ve punished a range of behaviors, including “boisterous” and “profane” conduct. Under the amendment, a student would be suspended after interfering with  free speech twice and expelled after interfering three times. Under the original version, a student could be suspended or expelled after two offenses.  Scot Ross, executive director of liberal group One Wisconsin Now, says Kremer’s bill is unconstitutional and the amendment makes it worse.