Back in April, Animal Advocacy UW-Madison advocated for the release of 2,000 beagles from torturous conditions at Ridglan Farms, with dogs born into a life of confinement and experimentation—tattooed on their ears and treated as disposable objects.

Animal Advocacy posted flyers advocating for political engagement leading up to the open rescue at Ridglan Farms on April 18th. But now, UW-Madison is investigating them for soliciting burglary and improperly placing posters. 

This is only the most recent chapter of a long history of activist repression at UW-Madison. From violent UWPD crackdowns on anti-war protests in 1969 to the university's treatment of protestors at the Gaza Encampments in 2024, UW-Madison has consistently sought to silence student’s views on controversial subjects. 

But this is one of the first times the university has directly tried to suppress students’ First Amendment rights. They are not just citing Animal Advocacy for improperly postering, but also alleging that their speech rose to the level of a felony. Their investigation into their improper postering should not be overlooked either. By citing administrative code of conduct violations they can maintain the appearance of neutrality while targeting activist organizations advocating for social change. 

By signing this petition, you stand with Animal Advocacy UW-Madison, unilaterally finding the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s investigation to be an attempt to suppress Animal Advocacy’s right to free speech. You demand that the university and their investigators halt their investigation immediately and do not recommend any sanctions against Animal Advocacy UW-Madison.