Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty
Recent News About Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty
-
IRG files motion against Wisconsin's SOS over delayed public record response
The Institute for Reforming Government (IRG), represented by attorneys from the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL), filed for summary judgment today in a public records lawsuit against Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski. The lawsuit stems from Secretary Godlewski's 189-day delay in responding to a public records request, which WILL claims was unlawful. Only after the lawsuit was filed did Secretary Godlewski produce the requested records, revealing that her office had been using personal email accounts to conduct official state business.
-
Petition seeks SCOTUS review on parental rights in Eau Claire School District case
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) and America First Legal (AFL) have filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the Supreme Court of the United States in the case Parents Protecting Our Children v. Eau Claire Area School District. The case challenges the school district's policy of concealing gender identity transitions from parents. The petition requests that the Court recognize that parents have standing to challenge policies that usurp their decision-making authority over significant health-related decisions without their knowledge.
-
Milwaukee Public Schools face scrutiny amid calls for reform following superintendent resignation
The Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) board meeting last night underscored a shift in the community's stance, as parents and teachers voiced their concerns. The district's recent lapses in financial reporting to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and mismanagement of the Headstart program could potentially cost MPS hundreds of millions of dollars, eroding trust between the district and its stakeholders. This loss of confidence follows the district’s successful $252 million referendum secured in April.
-
Wisconsin court grants appeal in free speech defamation case
The Wisconsin Court of Appeals has granted the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty’s (WILL) motion for a permissive appeal, effectively postponing a scheduled jury trial. The case involves Scarlett Johnson, an activist with Wisconsin Moms for Liberty, who is being sued for defamation after criticizing her school district on social media for employing a “social justice coordinator.”
-
Wisconsin mom appeals defamation suit citing First Amendment rights
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has filed an appeal on behalf of Scarlett Johnson, a Wisconsin Moms for Liberty activist, who is being sued for defamation after criticizing her school district on social media for employing a “social justice coordinator.” WILL contends that Ms. Johnson’s posts are protected by the First Amendment and argues she should not have to face a costly and unnecessary jury trial.
-
Coalition seeks clarity on public records law in Wisconsin Supreme Court
On May 22, 2024, a coalition of three organizations filed an amicus brief in the Wisconsin Supreme Court case, Wisconsin Voters Alliance v. Secord. The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty are represented by the Wisconsin Transparency Project.
-
Wisconsin Institute files civil rights complaint against ABA for alleged discriminatory practices
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has filed a Title VI complaint against the American Bar Association (ABA) for allegedly discriminatory programs, including its “Judicial Clerkship Program” and “Judicial Intern Opportunity Program,” which offer exclusive opportunities to candidates based on race. The complaint also names three universities—South Texas College, the University of the Pacific, and Willamette University—for their involvement in the clerkship program.
-
WILL report highlights need for increased mental health resources
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, underscoring the necessity of providing individuals with access to crucial resources and support. A recent report by WILL indicates a significant decline in social capital—people's networks and relationships—over the past few decades, a situation exacerbated by the pandemic. Current societal trends reveal less time spent with friends and family or involvement in community activities such as volunteering or civic engagement, leading to increased loneliness and isolation.
-
Second Federal Discrimination Complaint Against Prominent University Over Pro-Hamas Protests
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has filed a federal Title VI complaint against Rutgers University (“the University”) on behalf of the Young America’s Foundation (“YAF”), which has an active chapter on the University’s campus. The complaint challenges the University’s illegal promise to prioritize the “needs” of “Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian” students over those of Israeli and Jewish students. The agreement illegally promises over $2 million in scholarships based on national origin, as well as a pledge to set aside “designated physical space” for Arab...
-
Legal Action Against Wisconsin Act 73 by WILL on Behalf of Wedding Barns
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has filed a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) on behalf of two Wisconsin Wedding Barns to challenge the impacts of Wisconsin Act 73. The law, effective in 2026, is criticized for its restrictions which the plaintiffs argue are harming their businesses.
-
Rising Loneliness & Declining Mental Health: WILL Examines How Declining Social Capital is the Root Cause to Many Societal Problems
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has released a new report highlighting the detrimental impact of decreasing levels of social capital on Wisconsin communities. Titled "Fraying Connections: Exploring Social Capital and Its Societal Implications," the report delves into the importance of social capital and its implications on various societal issues.Miranda Spindt, WILL Policy Associate, emphasized the significance of social capital by stating, “Loneliness and mental health issues have radically increased in American society and declining social capital is a...
-
WILL Files Federal Discrimination Complaint Against University in the Wake of Nationwide Pro-Hamas Protests
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has filed a federal Title VI complaint against Northwestern University on behalf of the Young America’s Foundation, citing the University's actions to appease anti-Israel protestors on campus. WILL Deputy Counsel, Dan Lennington, emphasized the legal implications, stating, “Our message to Northwestern University and any other university is simple: if you do this, we will take legal action."Vic Bernson, Vice President and General Counsel for YAF, expressed strong opposition to the University's actions, calling it "completely...
-
WILL Opposes Federal Cuts to CSP
The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) has raised concerns about the potential impact of President Biden's proposed federal budget cuts on public charter schools. A recent study by WILL revealed that public charter schools in Milwaukee outperformed traditional public schools in English Language Arts and math proficiency rates. This highlights the importance of charter schools in providing high-quality education options for at-risk students.In response to President Biden's proposal to slash funding for the Charter Schools Program in the FY 2025 budget, WILL has...
-
Biden Administration Ordered to Pay WILL’s Attorney Fees Following MBDA Win
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has been awarded over $350,000 by a federal court after successfully suing the Biden Administration for race discrimination. The court's decision last month found that the federally run Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) unconstitutionally discriminated against small business owners based on race.In response to the award, WILL President and General Counsel Rick Esenberg emphasized the importance of the legal work performed by the organization, stating, “WILL’s legal work doesn’t come free, and our dedicated lawyers...
-
Race Discrimination Discovered at American Bar Association
Apr 25 2024The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has raised concerns about the American Bar Association's (ABA) race-based Judicial Clerkship Program and Internship Opportunity Program. WILL has warned the ABA that these programs may be in violation of various civil rights laws and could be detrimental to students across the country. WILL has indicated that legal action may be pursued if the ABA does not address these issues promptly.In a letter to the ABA, WILL Associate Counsel, Skylar Croy, emphasized the importance of ending discriminatory practices,...
-
WILL Opposes New Effort from Planned Parenthood to Make Abortion a “Constitutional Right” in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has responded to Planned Parenthood's case seeking to establish a constitutional right to abortion in Wisconsin. WILL believes that such a ruling would lead the Wisconsin Supreme Court into a situation similar to the one created by Roe v. Wade, urging that the matter should be addressed through the state's legislative process.WILL Deputy Counsel, Luke Berg, emphasized, “There is no right to an abortion in Wisconsin’s Constitution. No judge, justice, or lawyer should be creating policy for Wisconsinites out of thin air....
-
WILL Releases Statement on New Title IX Changes from Biden Administration
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has voiced strong criticism against the new Title IX rules introduced by the Biden Administration, labeling them as detrimental to the rights and safety of women and girls across the nation. Cory Brewer, Education Counsel at WILL, expressed his concerns, stating, “Title IX was meant to protect the rights, safety, and well-being of women and girls in educational activities. But these new regulations turn the intent of the law on its head...Women and girls across our country are being blatantly disrespected."The...
-
Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty Report Reveals Fiscal Threat of Reversing Act 10
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) recently published a report titled Back to the Past: The Fiscal Threat of Reversing Act 10 in Public Education, shedding light on the potential consequences of undoing former Governor Scott Walker's landmark collective bargaining reforms. In the report, WILL Research Director, Will Flanders, emphasized the significance of Act 10 by stating, "When Act 10 was passed it took Wisconsin off the path of fiscal destruction toward long-term solvency." Flanders warned that a successful repeal of Act 10 could result in a substantial...
-
WILL Holds First Annual School Board Summit to Help Restore American Education in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) recently hosted its inaugural school board summit, attracting over one hundred attendees, including school board members and administrators from districts across Wisconsin. The event, co-hosted by the Noah Webster Educational Foundation, focused on various topics such as government transparency, school board policies, parental rights, school finance, and curriculum reform.During the summit, Cory Brewer, WILL Education Counsel, emphasized the importance of addressing relevant issues facing school boards to enhance student...
-
WILL Files Appeal to Help Part-time Law Enforcement Officer Keep His Job
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty has taken action to appeal a decision that could potentially impact not only their client, Noah Gausman, but also numerous other law enforcement officers in Wisconsin. Gausman, a dedicated part-time law enforcement officer and single father, has been fighting to keep his job after being informed that he would no longer be able to serve due to a new policy adopted by a state agency.In response to the situation, WILL Deputy Counsel, Lucas Vebber, expressed, “Noah is a dedicated public servant and a hard-working father who is just...