THE MADISON FEDERALIST has been hard at work this semester. You can read some of our top recent news and opinion stories below.
BUT FIRST, make sure to check out these awesome events happening this week:
TOP NEWS STORIES:
UW-Madison Improves in FIRE Free Speech Ranking
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression recently released its 2027 college free speech rankings, placing the University of Wisconsin-Madison 61st out of 261 colleges and universities. The placement represents a 40-place increase from UW-Madison’s 2026 ranking.
Inside a Revolutionary Communists Meeting at UW-Madison
On Monday, September 21, the Revolutionary Communists of America (RCA) held a public meeting at College Library to examine the efforts of the Corey Ruiz protests and the subsequent encampment. Analyzing past attempts to organize and challenge the capitalist system, members pointed to a Marxist revolution as the country’s only option.
Students for Life Spokeswoman Lydia Taylor Davis Brings Pro-Life Message to Campus
Students for Life national spokeswoman Lydia Taylor Davis held a public tabling event at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Monday, October 5. She defended the rights of the preborn in debates with students and bystanders.
TOP OPINION STORIES:
I Lived Under Socialism. That’s How I Know It’s Dangerous.
I lived in Venezuela for my first 23 years, where I saw the effects of socialism every day. With widespread poverty and crony elections, Venezuela is the perfect example of what happens when you try to implement socialist policies and ideas in a country. That is why I am so concerned about socialism coming to the United States.
Constitutional Amendment to Ban DEI Would Save Taxpayers Money
Wisconsin voters will decide this November whether to amend the state constitution to prohibit governmental entities from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to any individual or group based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.
International Enrollment Decline Could Bring Bad Economic Consequences
Federal immigration and visa policy changes have created uncertainty for international students considering American universities. In July, the Department of Homeland Security finalized a rule that would replace the longstanding “duration of status” system for F-1 and J-1 visa holders with fixed admission periods, generally up to four years.
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Banning DEI programs will save the state money but at what expense? 60 years of equity programs for the most vulnerable and marginal persons in WI will be at risk. The state has implemented equity programs throughout Wisconsin for all those who need it and that is the humane way to care for a society. Cost savings should not be leveraged to deny equitable programs and services for education (K-12 and university and tech schools); health care, especially when WI ranks the lowest in care for those who are in need of quality health care; and minority and women-owned businesses that are now flourishing in our economy. This is a cruel amendment that will significantly alter WI's care economy and harm our communities. This amendment must fail for the benefit of all Wisconsinites. Joan Schwarz, Attorney.