Governor Scott Walker’s budget proposal includes changes to the state statutes regarding the mission of the UW System. Walker calls it an error and that the Wisconsin Idea will “continue to thrive.”
The relevant passage in the budget bill:
UW–Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank said via Twitter:
In a statement, UW System President Ray Cross said, “The Wisconsin Idea is embedded in our DNA. It is so much more than words on a page. It is the reason the UW System exists. It defines us and forever will distinguish us as a great, public university. Wisconsin must not abandon this core principle and value. We will work to preserve the Wisconsin Idea in every form.”
Update: Governor Walker says the Wisconsin Idea will continue to be in the university’s mission.
Media coverage:
Wisconsin State Journal: Scott Walker strikes ‘truth,’ ‘human condition’ from Wisconsin Idea
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Scott Walker’s UW mission rewrite could end the Wisconsin Idea