ACF Commends UW-Madison for Rejecting Illegal BDS Resolution

ACF Commends UW-Madison for Rejecting Illegal BDS Resolution

Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) commends the University of Wisconsin-Madison for swiftly rejecting a BDS resolution passed by its student government, the Associated Students of Madison (ASM), on March 25. The resolution calls on the university to divest from Israel and Israeli institutions while advancing false and inflammatory accusations.

The measure was co-authored by the Young Democratic Socialists of America, the Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC), and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), which is currently on disciplinary probation following a prior suspension from July 2025 to January 2026.

University leadership responded promptly, issuing a statement of disappointment and describing the resolution’s demands as “flawed, unrelated, and illegal.” The university also noted that ASM leadership had been counseled by university attorneys on the clear illegality of the boycott provision under Wisconsin state law.

ACF views UW-Madison’s response as an important affirmation that student government resolutions cannot override state law or university policy. Efforts tied to the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement often foster division and target Jewish and pro-Israel students, undermining an inclusive campus environment.

ACF applauds the university for rejecting this illegal resolution and urges administrators to ensure accountability as they complete their investigation into reports of antisemitic language used by ASM members in the lead-up to the vote. Upholding standards of conduct and enforcing policies consistently are essential to maintaining a safe and respectful campus for all students.

About ACF: Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) leverages the unique power of alumni to combat antisemitism on college campuses. ACF helps organize and cultivate alumni chapters for colleges and universities across the country, equipping members with tools, tactics, and training to proactively engage with administrators. Learn more at www.campusfairness.org.