Resident assistants across the UW System could hold activities such as Bible studies and political rallies in their rooms, if the Board of Regents approves a recommendation for RAs rights next week, according to a UW System statement.
Following a dispute over a policy at UW-Eau Claire and UW-Madison banning RAs from holding Bible studies in their dormitories, UW System President Kevin Reilly has proposed a policy unifying the rights of all system RAs.
The policy states that RAs 'may participate in, organize and lead any meetings or other activities within their rooms, floors or residence halls.'
However, the policy outlaws RAs from using their positions of authority to 'inappropriately influence, pressure or coerce student residents to attend or participate.'
Reilly formed a committee that included residence-life staff and students to examine the issue in December and make recommendations. These recommendations were used to shape the current proposal.
The proposal does not detail how to deal with claims that RAs have violated the policy. That aspect would be worked out at each individual campus if the policy is adopted. The Board of Regents Education Committee will hear the proposal Thurs., March 9 during the next monthly Regent meeting.
