Concerning Results From UW-Madison Faculty Survey
I recently reviewed a new faculty survey from the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership at UW–Madison, and the findings are concerning for anyone who values open debate and viewpoint diversity on our public university campuses.
The report shows a stark ideological imbalance among UW–Madison’s tenure-track and tenured faculty: roughly 70% identify as liberal, while fewer than 10% identify as conservative. This skew is especially pronounced in the humanities and among junior faculty. More troubling, a randomized experiment in the survey found that significant numbers of faculty would be less likely to hire candidates who express conservative views on issues like immigration, abortion, affirmative action, or transgender sports participation—gaps ranging from 11 to 38 percentage points depending on the topic. Conservative faculty also report feeling far less welcome on campus, much less comfortable expressing their views (especially to colleagues), and far more likely to face institutional pushback when they do speak out. Even many liberal faculty acknowledge that conservatives feel less included.
These results highlight real challenges to academic freedom and campus climate at our flagship university. While the survey shows faculty generally have solid First Amendment knowledge, a troubling number still favor restricting speech the law protects. As Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities, I believe this data underscores the need for stronger protections for viewpoint diversity, fair hiring practices, and an environment where all ideas can be discussed openly—without fear of retaliation. Wisconsin taxpayers fund UW–Madison, and every student and faculty member deserves a campus that truly welcomes a range of perspectives.
I’ll be watching this closely and working with colleagues to ensure our universities remain places of genuine intellectual inquiry and free expression
Midwest Higher Education Compact Visit
[see featured photo above] Wednesday I met with representatives from the Midwestern Higher Education Compact for their 2026 State of Wisconsin visit. MHEC covers 12 members states and seeks to strengthen higher education through cost savings and collaboration. I serve as the Wisconsin Commissioner for the Assembly.
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State Capitol Tours
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The best way to experience the beauty and grandeur of Wisconsin’s Capitol building (located at 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53702) is to see it for yourself. It is open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free tours are offered daily, year round except on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Tours start at the information desk Monday through Saturday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m. A 4:00 p.m. tour is offered weekdays (Monday – Friday), excluding holidays, during Memorial Day through Labor Day. Plan on spending 45-55 minutes for a tour. The sixth floor museum and observation deck are open during the summer months. Groups of ten or more can make an on-line reservation for a tour of the State Capitol or call (608)266-0382.
