Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty

Recent Articles

Will Releases Statement on Redistricting Ruling
WILL Statement on Wisconsin Supreme Court’s School Choice Decision
WILL Wins Preliminary Injunction in Defense of 1st Amendment
Press Release

WILL Wins Preliminary Injunction in Defense of 1st Amendment

Lawsuit is a part of WILL’s Preserving Democracy Project

WILL, SCW Threaten Wisconsin DPI with Legal Action Due to Bureaucratic Overreach in School Choice Program
WILL Hires New Communications Director
Press Release

WILL Hires New Communications Director

 

WILL Supports Monroe Voters & Taxpayers, Urges School District to Redo Misleading Referendum
Press Release

WILL Supports Monroe Voters & Taxpayers, Urges School District to Redo Misleading Referendum

Monroe School District’s referendum cost 10 to 15 times what the District had communicated to voters

Citizens Sue City of Neenah for Violating First Amendment Rights
Press Release

Citizens Sue City of Neenah for Violating First Amendment Rights

City ordinance tramples on residents’ protected right to express opinion on yard sign.

WILL Files Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Review First Amendment Challenge to Mandatory State Bar Membership
Press Release

WILL Files Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Review First Amendment Challenge to Mandatory State Bar Membership

First Amendment protects speech, association rights of attorneys

Voter Sues Wisconsin Elections Commission Over Unlawful Delegation of Power and Duty
Press Release

Voter Sues Wisconsin Elections Commission Over Unlawful Delegation of Power and Duty

WILL lawsuit demands WEC to adhere to state law

Cara Tolliver Joins WILL Team
Press Release

Cara Tolliver Joins WILL Team

Tolliver will assist WILL's litigation department as new hire for Associate Counsel

Judge Orders State Agency to Hand Over Public Records to News Outlet
Press Release

Judge Orders State Agency to Hand Over Public Records to News Outlet

The Wisconsin Parole Commission has been ordered to immediately turn over the public records requested by Wisconsin Right Now

WILL Sues State Agency for Failing to Provide Public Records to News Company
Press Release

WILL Sues State Agency for Failing to Provide Public Records to News Company

Wisconsin Parole Commission for months has failed to provide public records to conservative news outlet Wisconsin Right Now, as required by state law

Ameillia Wedward and Miranda Spindt Join Growing WILL Team
Press Release

Ameillia Wedward and Miranda Spindt Join Growing WILL Team

Wedward and Spindt will assist WILL in development, communications, and policy research

Oconomowoc Schools Drop Legal Threat Aimed At Local Parent After WILL Response
Press Release

Oconomowoc Schools Drop Legal Threat Aimed At Local Parent After WILL Response

After sending cease-and-desist letter the school district now considers the matter “closed”

Wisconsin Lutheran Sues City of Milwaukee For Unlawful Property Tax Assessment
Press Release

Wisconsin Lutheran Sues City of Milwaukee For Unlawful Property Tax Assessment

WILL represents school in challenge to $105,000 in unlawful taxes

Judge Strikes Down Town of Buchanan’s Transportation Utility Fee
Press Release

Judge Strikes Down Town of Buchanan’s Transportation Utility Fee

WILL challenged fee as an attempt to circumvent strict levy limits

WILL Amicus: Lawsuit Against Senator Johnson, Congressmen an Attempt to Penalize Protected Speech
Press Release

WILL Amicus: Lawsuit Against Senator Johnson, Congressmen an Attempt to Penalize Protected Speech

The speech under challenge is clearly protected by First Amendment

Madison Drops Unconstitutional Racial Quotas After WILL Lawsuit
Press Release

Madison Drops Unconstitutional Racial Quotas After WILL Lawsuit

WILL filed federal lawsuit last summer on behalf of David Blaska

WILL Applauds Committee Action to Suspend Burdensome Red Tape on Rentals with Pools
Press Release

WILL Applauds Committee Action to Suspend Burdensome Red Tape on Rentals with Pools

WI homeowners report DATCP rule would impose huge costs to upgrade pools

WILL Opposes State Rule to Regulate Pools at Rental Properties
Press Release

WILL Opposes State Rule to Regulate Pools at Rental Properties

New regulations would be overly burdensome, unnecessary

WILL Appeals Religious Liberty Case to U.S. Supreme Court
Press Release

WILL Appeals Religious Liberty Case to U.S. Supreme Court

Critical constitutional questions remain unresolved after Court of Appeals decision

U.S. Supreme Court Reverses WI Supreme Court, Gov. Evers’ Maps Unconstitutional
Press Release

U.S. Supreme Court Reverses WI Supreme Court, Gov. Evers’ Maps Unconstitutional

Majority decision says state court “committed legal error” in adopting maps

WILL to Cedarburg School District: State Can’t Force Adoption of Critical Race Theory Concepts in Curriculum
Press Release

WILL to Cedarburg School District: State Can’t Force Adoption of Critical Race Theory Concepts in Curriculum

Local activists attempting to force district into curriculum changes

Governor Evers Removes Racial Classifications from Homeowner Grants After WILL Letter
Press Release

Governor Evers Removes Racial Classifications from Homeowner Grants After WILL Letter

Final plan, adopted after WILL letter, removes racial classifications and eligibility categories

WILL Adds Associate Counsel Cory Brewer
Press Release

WILL Adds Associate Counsel Cory Brewer

WILL to expand legal services for K-12 education reform

WILL Warns Elmbrook Schools That Nondiscrimination Laws Apply to All Students
Press Release

WILL Warns Elmbrook Schools That Nondiscrimination Laws Apply to All Students

Elmbrook administrator indicated a white student is not protected by state and federal nondiscrimination law

WILL Joins Redistricting Appeal to U.S. Supreme Court
Press Release

WILL Joins Redistricting Appeal to U.S. Supreme Court

Governor Evers’ maps are racially gerrymandered, violating federal Constitution

Federal COVID Interventions Raised Price of Wisconsin Homes
Press Release

Federal COVID Interventions Raised Price of Wisconsin Homes

WILL analysis reveals cost of federal eviction moratorium, mortgage forbearance program

Lake Geneva Lowers Short-Term Rental Fee, Property Owners Refunded
Press Release

Lake Geneva Lowers Short-Term Rental Fee, Property Owners Refunded

WILL successfully appealed licensing fee at Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission

WILL Demands Explanation for Illegal Grants to Planned Parenthood
Press Release

WILL Demands Explanation for Illegal Grants to Planned Parenthood

Gov. Evers lacks authority to create grant programs, Planned Parenthood barred by state law from receiving federal funds through the state

WILL Brings ‘Right on Healthcare’ Initiative to Wisconsin
Press Release

WILL Brings ‘Right on Healthcare’ Initiative to Wisconsin

Partnership with TPPF brings innovative healthcare reform ideas to Badger State

Ranked-Choice Voting Proposals Likely to Overpromise, Underdeliver
Press Release

Ranked-Choice Voting Proposals Likely to Overpromise, Underdeliver

System could lead to chaotic and lengthy ballot counting, odd results

WILL Supports Parent Bill of Rights
Press Release

WILL Supports Parent Bill of Rights

Legislation ensures parents receive access to material, rights to notifications

MPS Amends Union-Leave Policy After WILL Lawsuit
Press Release

MPS Amends Union-Leave Policy After WILL Lawsuit

Amended policy now explicitly requires activities to be politically and ideologically view-point neutral

WILL Supports Election Integrity Bills
Press Release

WILL Supports Election Integrity Bills

Legislation clarifies procedures, ensures rule of law, increases accountability

Wisconsin School Closures Hurt Districts With Many Low-Income, African American Students
Press Release

Wisconsin School Closures Hurt Districts With Many Low-Income, African American Students

Study finds academic performance drops in math and English for schools that started 2020-21 school year closed.

WILL Urges Governor Evers to Abandon Race Discrimination in New Housing Assistance Program
Press Release

WILL Urges Governor Evers to Abandon Race Discrimination in New Housing Assistance Program

State program to allocate housing grants based on race

Wisconsin Supreme Court to Hear WILL Challenge to Dane County Health Orders
Press Release

Wisconsin Supreme Court to Hear WILL Challenge to Dane County Health Orders

WILL is challenging authority of health officer to issue orders without legislative approval

Governor Evers Vetoes Legislation to Provide Parents with Access to Classroom Materials
Press Release

Governor Evers Vetoes Legislation to Provide Parents with Access to Classroom Materials

WILL-supported legislation would have required districts to post classroom material online

Wisconsin Supreme Court Adopts Criteria for Redistricting in WILL Lawsuit
Press Release

Wisconsin Supreme Court Adopts Criteria for Redistricting in WILL Lawsuit

Court will adopt maps without considering partisanship, will seek “least changes”

Governor Evers Signs Public School Spending Transparency Bill into Law
Press Release

Governor Evers Signs Public School Spending Transparency Bill into Law

WILL supported new law to develop online dashboard for public school spending

WILL Urges Kenosha Unified School District to Allow Parent to Observe Classroom
Press Release

WILL Urges Kenosha Unified School District to Allow Parent to Observe Classroom

Federal law grants all parents the right to “observ[e] classroom activities” in public schools.

Non-Profit Acquires Vacant School, Plans Private Choice School for Mattoon, Wisconsin
Press Release

Non-Profit Acquires Vacant School, Plans Private Choice School for Mattoon, Wisconsin

WILL represented Shepherd’s Watch in lengthy legal dispute over vacant building

WILL, Scott Walker Urge U.S. Supreme Court to Take Wisconsin Press Freedom Case
Press Release

WILL, Scott Walker Urge U.S. Supreme Court to Take Wisconsin Press Freedom Case

Case involves Governor Evers' decision to exclude certain journalists from press briefings

WILL Warns UW-Madison: Mental Health Counselors Cannot Discriminate on Basis of Race
Press Release

WILL Warns UW-Madison: Mental Health Counselors Cannot Discriminate on Basis of Race

Public institutions cannot offer or restrict services based on race

WILL Works With Lawmakers to Advance Transparency Bills to Governor Evers
Press Release

WILL Works With Lawmakers to Advance Transparency Bills to Governor Evers

Bills shine light on public school spending, curriculum

Wisconsin Supreme Court Takes WILL Redistricting Case
Press Release

Wisconsin Supreme Court Takes WILL Redistricting Case

WILL filed original action on behalf of four Wisconsin voters living in malapportioned districts

WILL Sues Town of Buchanan for Adopting, Implementing Unlawful Tax
Press Release

WILL Sues Town of Buchanan for Adopting, Implementing Unlawful Tax

The town adopted a “transportation utility fee” to circumvent strict levy limits

WILL Asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to Take Jurisdiction of Redistricting
Press Release

WILL Asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to Take Jurisdiction of Redistricting

Original action, on behalf of four voters, requests judicial apportionment plan

WILL Asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to Strike Down Dane County Universal Mask Order
Press Release

WILL Asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to Strike Down Dane County Universal Mask Order

Wisconsin Supreme Court recently made clear that public health officers do not have unlimited authority

City of Mequon Will Not Enforce Sign Ordinance Against Recall Organizers, Commits to Review
Press Release

City of Mequon Will Not Enforce Sign Ordinance Against Recall Organizers, Commits to Review

WILL issued a letter after recall organizers were confronted by the police

WILL Sues City of Madison Over Bird-Safe Glass Ordinance That Undermines Wisconsin’s Uniform Building Code
Press Release

WILL Sues City of Madison Over Bird-Safe Glass Ordinance That Undermines Wisconsin’s Uniform Building Code

WILL filed a Notice of Claim in March warning City that ordinance violates state law

WILL Warns DATCP Against Regulating New Pool Sharing Start-Up
Press Release

WILL Warns DATCP Against Regulating New Pool Sharing Start-Up

Flawed state agency interpretation would outlaw innovative business

WILL Demands Elmbrook Schools Remove Sexually Explicit Books Accessible to Children
Press Release

WILL Demands Elmbrook Schools Remove Sexually Explicit Books Accessible to Children

Materials, which have been available to children as young as 3rd grade, violate state law

WILL to ACLU of Wisconsin: Schools Not Required to Teach Critical Race Theory
Press Release

WILL to ACLU of Wisconsin: Schools Not Required to Teach Critical Race Theory

WILL responds to ACLU letter to Wisconsin schools

WILL Sues MPS for Unconstitutional Union Leave Policy
Press Release

WILL Sues MPS for Unconstitutional Union Leave Policy

MPS pays school employees to engage in union-related activities

Wisconsin Supreme Court Declares Racine School Closure Order Invalid
Press Release

Wisconsin Supreme Court Declares Racine School Closure Order Invalid

Racine health officer issued school closure order in November 2020

WILL Sues City of Madison for Unconstitutional Race Discrimination
Press Release

WILL Sues City of Madison for Unconstitutional Race Discrimination

Madison’s Police Civilian Oversight Board imposes illegal racial quotas

WILL Sues Wisconsin Elections Commission Challenging Legal Status of Ballot Drop Boxes
Press Release

WILL Sues Wisconsin Elections Commission Challenging Legal Status of Ballot Drop Boxes

State law provides just two methods for casting an absentee ballot

Court Orders State to Allow Milwaukee Archdiocese Ability to Conduct Services in Correctional Facilities
Press Release

Court Orders State to Allow Milwaukee Archdiocese Ability to Conduct Services in Correctional Facilities

WILL sued in May after state agency refused to permit religious volunteers from visiting inmates

WILL Urges Sun Prairie to Drop Racially Segregated Groups for Public Event
Press Release

WILL Urges Sun Prairie to Drop Racially Segregated Groups for Public Event

City and School District divide groups by race for community conversation

Wisconsin Supreme Court Strikes Down Dane County School Closure Order
Press Release

Wisconsin Supreme Court Strikes Down Dane County School Closure Order

WILL filed original action when Dane County health department tried to close all schools

Federal Appeals Court Bars Biden Administration From Using Race to Prioritize COVID Restaurant Relief
Press Release

Federal Appeals Court Bars Biden Administration From Using Race to Prioritize COVID Restaurant Relief

WILL challenged federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund on behalf of Tennessee restaurant owner

Public School Curriculum Transparency Legislation Key to Battling Politics in the Classroom
Press Release

Public School Curriculum Transparency Legislation Key to Battling Politics in the Classroom

Reform proposal would arm parents with the ability to access, review controversial curriculum material

WILL to Biden Education Department: Critical Race Theory is Wrong for Public Schools
Press Release

WILL to Biden Education Department: Critical Race Theory is Wrong for Public Schools

WILL weighs in on federal Department of Education priority to advance equity in American History and Civics

WILL, SCW Ensure MPS Follows the Law, Provide Transportation Benefits to Private School Students
Press Release

WILL, SCW Ensure MPS Follows the Law, Provide Transportation Benefits to Private School Students

Thousands of students have been left stranded in 2020-21 school year

WILL Sues Biden Administration for Race, Sex Discrimination in Allocation of COVID Relief Funds for Restaurants
Press Release

WILL Sues Biden Administration for Race, Sex Discrimination in Allocation of COVID Relief Funds for Restaurants

WILL represents Tennessee restaurant owner who would be eligible for funds, but for his race and sex

WILL, Milwaukee Archdiocese Sue WI Department of Corrections Over Unconstitutional Visitor Policy
Press Release

WILL, Milwaukee Archdiocese Sue WI Department of Corrections Over Unconstitutional Visitor Policy

DOC ignored WILL demand letter to revise policy that bars volunteer clergy from visiting inmates

WILL Warns Town of Buchanan Transportation Fee Amounts to Unlawful Tax
Press Release

WILL Warns Town of Buchanan Transportation Fee Amounts to Unlawful Tax

Town of Buchanan has 120 days to remove fee, or face lawsuit

WILL Sues Biden Administration for Race Discrimination in Farmer Loan Forgiveness Program
Press Release

WILL Sues Biden Administration for Race Discrimination in Farmer Loan Forgiveness Program

Five plaintiffs from four states would be eligible for federal program, but for their race

Wisconsin Supreme Court to Review WILL Challenge to Brown County Sales Tax
Press Release

Wisconsin Supreme Court to Review WILL Challenge to Brown County Sales Tax

Brown County wants to use sales tax to fund capital projects, not property tax reduction

WILL Urges Madison Superintendent to Address Racially Segregated School Discussions
Press Release

WILL Urges Madison Superintendent to Address Racially Segregated School Discussions

Madison West High School, again, divides virtual family conversations by race

WILL Sues State Board for Race Discrimination
Press Release

WILL Sues State Board for Race Discrimination

Higher Educational Aids Board offers scholarships with narrow racial categories

WILL President Rick Esenberg on Supreme Court Decision in Zignego v. WEC
Press Release

WILL President Rick Esenberg on Supreme Court Decision in Zignego v. WEC

WILL sued WEC in 2019 after state agency refused to clean up voter rolls.

Wisconsin Supreme Court: Gov. Evers’ Multiple Emergency Declarations Violate Law
WILL Budget Briefing: A Deep Dive on Governor Evers’ 2021-23 State Budget Proposal
Press Release

WILL Budget Briefing: A Deep Dive on Governor Evers’ 2021-23 State Budget Proposal

Increases in spending, programs, and new attacks on education and worker freedom

WILL Warns City of Madison New Bird-Safe Glass Ordinance Undermines Wisconsin’s Uniform Building Code
Press Release

WILL Warns City of Madison New Bird-Safe Glass Ordinance Undermines Wisconsin’s Uniform Building Code

Notice of Claim warns Madison that city ordinance violates state law

Dane County Drops Most Fines Against Dance Studio
Press Release

Dane County Drops Most Fines Against Dance Studio

Health department enlisted the wrong attorneys and filed far too many counts

Wisconsin Supreme Court to Hear Arguments in WILL Religious Liberty Lawsuit
Wisconsin’s Emergency Powers Laws in Urgent Need of Reform
Press Release

Wisconsin’s Emergency Powers Laws in Urgent Need of Reform

New study examines Wisconsin’s emergency powers laws, provides recommendations for reform

Judge Orders Wisconsin DNR to Hold February 2021 Gray Wolf Hunt
Press Release

Judge Orders Wisconsin DNR to Hold February 2021 Gray Wolf Hunt

WILL sued DNR for violating state law by refusing to schedule winter 2021 hunt

Dane County Health Department Relaxes Sports Restrictions After WILL Lawsuit
Press Release

Dane County Health Department Relaxes Sports Restrictions After WILL Lawsuit

Legal challenge to authority of Dane County Health Department continues

WILL Represents Dane County Dance Studio in Fight Against Health Department Fines, Orders
Press Release

WILL Represents Dane County Dance Studio in Fight Against Health Department Fines, Orders

Without warning, health department fined dance studio nearly $24,000 for video recording dances in small groups

WILL Sues Wisconsin DNR for Ignoring State Law Requirement to Schedule Wolf Hunt
Press Release

WILL Sues Wisconsin DNR for Ignoring State Law Requirement to Schedule Wolf Hunt

DNR is required by 2011 state law to hold wolf hunt between November and February

MPS Policy Pays Public Employees to Work for Teachers Unions
Press Release

MPS Policy Pays Public Employees to Work for Teachers Unions

Union leave policy results in public subsidy to labor unions, violates Constitution’s ban on compelled speech

Wisconsin’s Open Enrollment Program Provides Critical School Choice Option for 62,000 Students
Press Release

Wisconsin’s Open Enrollment Program Provides Critical School Choice Option for 62,000 Students

New study profiles open enrollment program, examines school district impact

WILL Files Lawsuit Challenging Dane County Health Department’s Authority to Enact COVID Restrictions
Press Release

WILL Files Lawsuit Challenging Dane County Health Department’s Authority to Enact COVID Restrictions

Lawsuit in Dane County Circuit Court argues county board must approve health department’s restrictions

WILL Warns City of Madison of Lawsuit Over Unconstitutional Racial Discrimination
Press Release

WILL Warns City of Madison of Lawsuit Over Unconstitutional Racial Discrimination

Notice of Claim asserts racial quotas violate the law, Constitution

WILL Goes to Court in Rural School Choice Fight
Press Release

WILL Goes to Court in Rural School Choice Fight

Summary judgment hearing to determine fate of vacant elementary school

STUDY: Wisconsin School Districts That Started School Year Virtually Experience Greatest Enrollment Declines
Press Release

STUDY: Wisconsin School Districts That Started School Year Virtually Experience Greatest Enrollment Declines

Amidst statewide enrollment decline, schools that opted for virtual learning see largest declines

WILL Files Motion for Contempt After City of Racine Ignores Supreme Court Order
Press Release

WILL Files Motion for Contempt After City of Racine Ignores Supreme Court Order

Racine Public Health Administrator instructs schools to remain closed despite injunction

Wisconsin Supreme Court Blocks Racine School Closure Order, Grants WILL Original Action
Press Release

Wisconsin Supreme Court Blocks Racine School Closure Order, Grants WILL Original Action

Case held in abeyance while Court considers Dane County school closure order

WILL Files Original Action in WI Supreme Court to Halt Latest Dane County Gathering Ban, Restrictions on Businesses
Press Release

WILL Files Original Action in WI Supreme Court to Halt Latest Dane County Gathering Ban, Restrictions on Businesses

Dane County and the City of Madison have unlawfully delegated law-making power to the health department

WILL Asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to Halt Racine School Closure Order
Press Release

WILL Asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to Halt Racine School Closure Order

The Court already issued an injunction putting similar order on hold in Dane County case

Study: Unions, Politics Appear to Drive Fall School Reopening Decisions in Wisconsin
Press Release

Study: Unions, Politics Appear to Drive Fall School Reopening Decisions in Wisconsin

Local presence of COVID-19 not predictive of district decisions

WILL Hires Kyle Koenen to be Policy Director  Koenen brings extensive legislative experience to WILL policy team
Press Release

WILL Hires Kyle Koenen to be Policy Director Koenen brings extensive legislative experience to WILL policy team

Koenen brings extensive legislative experience to WILL policy team

WILL Amicus: Gov. Evers’s Emergency Declarations Threaten Separation of Powers
Press Release

WILL Amicus: Gov. Evers’s Emergency Declarations Threaten Separation of Powers

WILL files amicus in original action before Wisconsin Supreme Court

Walker-era FoodShare Reforms Lowered Unemployment, Boosted Labor Force Participation
Press Release

Walker-era FoodShare Reforms Lowered Unemployment, Boosted Labor Force Participation

New study finds positive workforce effects from 2015 reforms

WILL Asks Judge to Decide on Merits in Lawsuit Challenging Gov. Evers’s Emergency Declarations
Press Release

WILL Asks Judge to Decide on Merits in Lawsuit Challenging Gov. Evers’s Emergency Declarations

Critical questions remain before the court on emergency powers

Surplus Property Law Results in Just One Vacant Milwaukee School Sale to Charter School
Press Release

Surplus Property Law Results in Just One Vacant Milwaukee School Sale to Charter School

WILL Policy Brief revisits how state law was thwarted by local actors for the last five years

WILL Pledges Appeal in Lawsuit Challenging Governor Evers’s Emergency Declarations
Press Release

WILL Pledges Appeal in Lawsuit Challenging Governor Evers’s Emergency Declarations

Judge denies WILL’s motion for injunction

Wisconsin Supreme Court Sides with Legislature in Critical Separation of Powers Case
Press Release

Wisconsin Supreme Court Sides with Legislature in Critical Separation of Powers Case

WILL filed amicus urging Supreme Court to allow Legislature to defend state law

Judge Issues Injunction: Madison School District Staff Cannot Lie or Deceive Parents About Gender Transitions at School
Press Release

Judge Issues Injunction: Madison School District Staff Cannot Lie or Deceive Parents About Gender Transitions at School

WILL sued MMSD for violating parental rights with gender identity policy

WILL Files Motion for Immediate Injunction in Lawsuit Challenging Governor Evers’s Emergency Declaration
Press Release

WILL Files Motion for Immediate Injunction in Lawsuit Challenging Governor Evers’s Emergency Declaration

Motion for immediate relief comes after Governor Evers extends emergency

Governor Evers Violates State Law Again with Third COVID Emergency Declaration
Press Release

Governor Evers Violates State Law Again with Third COVID Emergency Declaration

WILL sued Governor Evers in Polk County in August over second COVID emergency

Judge Rules DPI Violated State Law in Release of 2019 School Choice Data
Press Release

Judge Rules DPI Violated State Law in Release of 2019 School Choice Data

WILL sued after DPI selectively released data in violation of state law

Wisconsin Supreme Court Agrees to Hear WILL Challenge to Dane County School Closure Order
Press Release

Wisconsin Supreme Court Agrees to Hear WILL Challenge to Dane County School Closure Order

Court issues temporary injunction allowing schools to open immediately

WILL Asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to Invalidate Dane County School Closure Order
Press Release

WILL Asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to Invalidate Dane County School Closure Order

Original action on behalf of affected parents, private schools, and school associations

WILL Sues Governor Evers Over Second COVID-19 Emergency Declaration
Press Release

WILL Sues Governor Evers Over Second COVID-19 Emergency Declaration

Lawsuit filed in Polk County challenges Governor Evers’s power grab.

WILL to Racine Unified: District Must Meet Legal Requirement to Bus Students to Private Schools
Press Release

WILL to Racine Unified: District Must Meet Legal Requirement to Bus Students to Private Schools

RUSD evades legal obligation to private schools as District goes virtual

STUDY: No High-Performing School Options for 40,000 Wisconsin Students in 134 ZIP Codes
Press Release

STUDY: No High-Performing School Options for 40,000 Wisconsin Students in 134 ZIP Codes

WILL study identifies high-performing school deserts in Wisconsin

WILL Files Amicus in National Legal Fight Over CARES Act Relief for Private Schools
Press Release

WILL Files Amicus in National Legal Fight Over CARES Act Relief for Private Schools

WILL leads coalition of 38 state and national groups advocating for private schools

WILL Urges Madison West High School to Reconsider Racially Segregated Group Discussions
Press Release

WILL Urges Madison West High School to Reconsider Racially Segregated Group Discussions

Madison West High School students were separated by race for group discussions

WILL Drops Lawsuit After DNR Resumes In-Person Hunter Education
Press Release

WILL Drops Lawsuit After DNR Resumes In-Person Hunter Education

DNR reverses course after WILL lawsuit

Wisconsin Supreme Court: Three of Governor Evers’ Budget Vetoes Unconstitutional
Press Release

Wisconsin Supreme Court: Three of Governor Evers’ Budget Vetoes Unconstitutional

Court strikes down 3 of 4 budget vetoes in WILL original action

U.S. Supreme Court Orders Seventh Circuit to Reconsider Decision in WILL Religious Liberty Case
Press Release

U.S. Supreme Court Orders Seventh Circuit to Reconsider Decision in WILL Religious Liberty Case

Case against DPI will be reassessed in light of Espinoza v. Montana

DPI Drops Illegal Policy After WILL Lawsuit
Press Release

DPI Drops Illegal Policy After WILL Lawsuit

WILL sued DPI for blocking family from state voucher program

U.S. Supreme Court Decision a Win for Families, School Choice
Press Release

U.S. Supreme Court Decision a Win for Families, School Choice

WILL and Scott Walker submitted amicus in key school choice case

WILL, Wisconsin Realtors Association Secure Property Rights Victory in Lake Geneva
Press Release

WILL, Wisconsin Realtors Association Secure Property Rights Victory in Lake Geneva

WILL lawsuit results in City Council action

EPA Adopts WILL Recommendation, Majority of Sheboygan County Attains National Air Quality Standards
Press Release

EPA Adopts WILL Recommendation, Majority of Sheboygan County Attains National Air Quality Standards

EPA limits non-attainment zone in the county

WILL Sues DNR For Illegally Canceling In-Person Hunter Safety Courses
Press Release

WILL Sues DNR For Illegally Canceling In-Person Hunter Safety Courses

State agency cancels all in-person courses citing COVID-19

WILL Asks Wisconsin Elections Commission to Ban Ballot Harvesting
Press Release

WILL Asks Wisconsin Elections Commission to Ban Ballot Harvesting

Rules petition would make clear ballot harvesting is illegal under Wisconsin law

WILL Appeals Ruling Upholding Brown County Sales Tax
Press Release

WILL Appeals Ruling Upholding Brown County Sales Tax

WILL asks Court of Appeals to invalidate new tax used to fund big-ticket spending items

Study: More Than Half of Wisconsin Colleges Substantially Restrict Free Speech
Press Release

Study: More Than Half of Wisconsin Colleges Substantially Restrict Free Speech

Broad speech restrictions, bias response teams, and free speech zones impair free expression and open debate

WILL Goes Before Wisconsin Supreme Court in Veto Lawsuit
Press Release

WILL Goes Before Wisconsin Supreme Court in Veto Lawsuit

Oral arguments in challenge to Governor Evers’ use of executive power

WILL Sues Marquette County Sheriff for Free Speech Violation
Press Release

WILL Sues Marquette County Sheriff for Free Speech Violation

Sheriff, Patrol Sergeant threatened teen with arrest over social media post

WILL Asks Supreme Court to Review WEC Lawsuit
Press Release

WILL Asks Supreme Court to Review WEC Lawsuit

Wisconsin deserves clean elections in 2020

Green New Deal would cost Wisconsin families over $40,000 per year, cripple agriculture industry
Press Release

Green New Deal would cost Wisconsin families over $40,000 per year, cripple agriculture industry

WILL partners with national policy organizations to estimate impact of Green New Deal to Wisconsin

WILL Sues Madison Schools for Violating Parental Rights
Press Release

WILL Sues Madison Schools for Violating Parental Rights

District refuses to alter gender identity policies

WILL, Badger Institute: Reform Occupational Licensing for a Better Wisconsin Economy
Press Release

WILL, Badger Institute: Reform Occupational Licensing for a Better Wisconsin Economy

Free-market groups partner to make the case for reform

WILL, SCWA Win School Choice Lawsuit Against DPI
Press Release

WILL, SCWA Win School Choice Lawsuit Against DPI

Judge rules DPI violated law in treatment of choice schools

WILL Asks Court to Hold Wisconsin Elections Commission in Contempt
Press Release

WILL Asks Court to Hold Wisconsin Elections Commission in Contempt

State elections agency refuses to comply with court order.

What You Need to Know: Court Order in WILL Lawsuit Against Elections Commission
Study: When WI Union Members Vote, Number of Public Unions Shrink
Press Release

Study: When WI Union Members Vote, Number of Public Unions Shrink

Original Act 10 research examines effect of annual certification election results

WILL Sues Wisconsin Election Commission
Press Release

WILL Sues Wisconsin Election Commission

Agency ignored state law, allowing voter registrations at old addresses to remain active.

#KeepYourPromise Governor Evers
Press Release

#KeepYourPromise Governor Evers

One month after pledge, Evers shows no progress on government transparency

Former WILL attorney launches open government law firm
Press Release

Former WILL attorney launches open government law firm

"WILL is pleased to welcome the Wisconsin Transparency Project to the scene."

WILL Explainer: Why the 7th Congressional District Special Election Date Has to Change
Press Release

WILL Explainer: Why the 7th Congressional District Special Election Date Has to Change

Governor Evers has now admitted that his Executive Order setting these dates violates federal law and he is in the process of setting new dates.

WILL, Scott Walker Submit Amicus to U.S. Supreme Court in School Choice Case
Press Release

WILL, Scott Walker Submit Amicus to U.S. Supreme Court in School Choice Case

School choice, religious freedom at stake in Espinoza v. Montana

WILL Defeats Gun Ban, Defends Second Amendment
Press Release

WILL Defeats Gun Ban, Defends Second Amendment

Housing Authority of the City of Menomonie to remove unconstitutional lease provision

WILL Wins Campus Free Speech Victory
Press Release

WILL Wins Campus Free Speech Victory

NWTC's Public Assembly Policy deemed "unconstitutional."

Study: Evers, Barnes, & Agencies Failing to Follow Walker Open Government Executive Orders
Press Release

Study: Evers, Barnes, & Agencies Failing to Follow Walker Open Government Executive Orders

Evers’ administration is dysfunctional and disorganized, threatens to move Wisconsin backwards on transparency.

Court Grants WILL Motion to Intervene in Rural School Choice Case
Press Release

Court Grants WILL Motion to Intervene in Rural School Choice Case

Community group Shepherd’s Watch is now a party to legal dispute over vacant school

WILL Suggests Improvements to UW Free Speech Policy
Press Release

WILL Suggests Improvements to UW Free Speech Policy

Submits public comment to better balance, safeguard First Amendment rights of all

WILL Sues Evers at Wisconsin Supreme Court Over Budget Vetoes
Press Release

WILL Sues Evers at Wisconsin Supreme Court Over Budget Vetoes

Original action asks Supreme Court to rein in, limit partial vetoes

Two Eau Claire TIF Cases Dismissed
Press Release

Two Eau Claire TIF Cases Dismissed

Courts unwilling to enforce statutory limitations on controversial financing schemes

New Address: WILL Moves to 330 East Kilbourn
Press Release

New Address: WILL Moves to 330 East Kilbourn

WILL moves to new office on July 22

New Hire: WILL adds former Deputy Solicitor General
Press Release

New Hire: WILL adds former Deputy Solicitor General

Litigation team grows to meet heightened challenges

WILL Fights for School Choice in Rural Wisconsin
Press Release

WILL Fights for School Choice in Rural Wisconsin

Antigo School District refuses to sell vacant building to local Christian community group

WILL Stands Up For Free Speech, Religious Liberty of Appleton School Board Member
Press Release

WILL Stands Up For Free Speech, Religious Liberty of Appleton School Board Member

Puts Appleton School Board on notice for potential First Amendment violations

WILL Sues to End Mandatory State Bar Membership, Dues
Press Release

WILL Sues to End Mandatory State Bar Membership, Dues

First Amendment protects speech, association rights of attorneys

2019 Apples to Apples: Charter, Choice Outperform Traditional Public Schools in Growth, Test Scores
Press Release

2019 Apples to Apples: Charter, Choice Outperform Traditional Public Schools in Growth, Test Scores

Wisconsin's education options are working

WILL & State/National Conservative Groups Warn Legislature on Wedding Barns
Press Release

WILL & State/National Conservative Groups Warn Legislature on Wedding Barns

Groups stand up for economic freedom, limited government

Get Ready for Tuesday’s Healthcare Debate
Press Release

Get Ready for Tuesday’s Healthcare Debate

WILL research on the cost of Evers' proposed plans, and common sense solutions.

School Teacher Asks to Intervene in Latest Act 10 Lawsuit
Press Release

School Teacher Asks to Intervene in Latest Act 10 Lawsuit

WILL continues the fight to protect Walker’s collective bargaining reform law.

Common Sense Healthcare Reforms for Wisconsin
Press Release

Common Sense Healthcare Reforms for Wisconsin

Seven reforms to lower costs and increase access to care

Governor Evers’ Budget: What You Need to Know
Press Release

Governor Evers’ Budget: What You Need to Know

Read WILL's analysis before the legislature votes

WILL is Moving Offices!
Press Release

WILL is Moving Offices!

Enters a new phase of growth with bigger office space in Milwaukee

Republican leadership puts interests of the state ahead of politics
Press Release

Republican leadership puts interests of the state ahead of politics

“Doing what’s right is not always easy. But by rejecting costly federal Medicaid expansion, the Republican legislative leadership is acting in the best interest of the state of Wisconsin and we applaud them for standing on principle.”

Former Lawmakers, WILL Enter Extraordinary Session Lawsuit
Press Release

Former Lawmakers, WILL Enter Extraordinary Session Lawsuit

Former Speaker, Lt. Gov., lawmakers make the case for extraordinary sessions and laws jeopardized by Dane County ruling

WILL Sues City of Eau Claire for Using Illegal TIF to Raise Tax Revenue
Press Release

WILL Sues City of Eau Claire for Using Illegal TIF to Raise Tax Revenue

City claims it needs TIF district for a building that’s already built, misuses tax dollars along the way

Scott Walker, WILL Ask SCOTUS to Take School Choice Case
Press Release

Scott Walker, WILL Ask SCOTUS to Take School Choice Case

Brief highlights the benefits and success of school choice in Wisconsin

WILL Polls Critical Education Policy Questions in Wisconsin
Press Release

WILL Polls Critical Education Policy Questions in Wisconsin

Statewide poll finds low support for Evers' attack on school choice

WILL, SCWA Sue DPI in School Choice Lawsuit
Press Release

WILL, SCWA Sue DPI in School Choice Lawsuit

State’s ed agency illegally preventing private choice schools from counting “virtual instruction” towards classroom learning requirements

Trump Discusses WILL Lawsuit at White House
Press Release

Trump Discusses WILL Lawsuit at White House

Free speech executive order prominently features WILL

Study: K-12 Spending Increases Unlikely to Result in Student Success
Press Release

Study: K-12 Spending Increases Unlikely to Result in Student Success

New analysis on K-12 spending on public schools raises questions about student impact

Governor Evers Agrees With WILL on Legal Status of Wedding Barns
Press Release

Governor Evers Agrees With WILL on Legal Status of Wedding Barns

Evers administration pledges to interpret law as previously practiced

Evers Admin. Prolongs Uncertainty for Wedding Barn Owners
Press Release

Evers Admin. Prolongs Uncertainty for Wedding Barn Owners

Evers, Kaul provide no clarity on legality of wedding barns

WILL Budget Explainer: The Administrative State
Press Release

WILL Budget Explainer: The Administrative State

“Governor Evers’ budget is a liberal-wish list on a number of levels, but an undertold story is how it would strengthen the executive branch, usurping power from the legislature."

Governor Evers’ Budget Targets School Choice: What You Need to Know
Press Release

Governor Evers’ Budget Targets School Choice: What You Need to Know

Governor Evers' Budget Targets School Choice: What You Need to Know

Medicaid Expansion to Cost Wisconsinites $600 Million Per Year
Press Release

Medicaid Expansion to Cost Wisconsinites $600 Million Per Year

New WILL, CROWE study analyzes true cost of Medicaid expansion

1 Year Later: Religious-themed Valentines STILL Cannot Be Freely Distributed at Tech College
Press Release

1 Year Later: Religious-themed Valentines STILL Cannot Be Freely Distributed at Tech College

WILL produces new video showing Polly innocently handing out Valentines, files for summary judgment

WILL Sues DPI For Embargoed ESSA Documents
Press Release

WILL Sues DPI For Embargoed ESSA Documents

Documents would shine light on whether DPI is illegally implementing ESSA

WILL Releases K-12 Education Reform Agenda
Press Release

WILL Releases K-12 Education Reform Agenda

Detailed policy roadmap shows how state can improve student outcomes

WILL Sues Evers Administration to Protect Wedding Barns
Press Release

WILL Sues Evers Administration to Protect Wedding Barns

Asks judge to protect economic freedom, remove uncertainty

WILL Announces New Hires, Staff Promotions
Press Release

WILL Announces New Hires, Staff Promotions

Adds staff to face new challenges

WILL Asks Supreme Court to Rule War Memorial Cross Constitutional
Press Release

WILL Asks Supreme Court to Rule War Memorial Cross Constitutional

Amicus argues cross does not violate the Establishment Clause.

Trump Administration Seeks to Cancel Misguided Obama-era School Discipline Policy
Press Release

Trump Administration Seeks to Cancel Misguided Obama-era School Discipline Policy

WILL work has championed rescinding the illegal, harmful policy

WILL Promotes Libby Sobic to Director of Education Policy
Press Release

WILL Promotes Libby Sobic to Director of Education Policy

Sobic to have expanded role managing WILL's K-12 education reform project.

Reform Federal Disability Insurance to Help Address Wisconsin’s Labor Shortage
Press Release

Reform Federal Disability Insurance to Help Address Wisconsin’s Labor Shortage

Subjective criteria, work disincentives plague disability insurance program

Extraordinary Session Update: Legislature Approves Critical Reforms
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Extraordinary Session Update: Legislature Approves Critical Reforms

Legislature approves administrative rulemaking reforms, tax reform; maintains DPI oversight

Extraordinary Session Policy Items Flying Under the Radar
Press Release

Extraordinary Session Policy Items Flying Under the Radar

A lot of good but a few red flags

Study: Parents in Milwaukee Are Choosing Schools Based on Quality
Press Release

Study: Parents in Milwaukee Are Choosing Schools Based on Quality

What you need to know about WILL’s landmark school choice study

WILL disagrees with legal analysis, prepared to fight for economic freedom
Press Release

WILL disagrees with legal analysis, prepared to fight for economic freedom

WILL disagrees with legal analysis, prepared to fight for economic freedom

WILL Hires Lucas Vebber as Deputy Counsel
Press Release

WILL Hires Lucas Vebber as Deputy Counsel

Before joining WILL, Lucas served as General Counsel and Director of Environmental and Energy Policy at Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.

Supreme Court Rules Congress Can’t Require States to Prohibit Sports Betting
Press Release

Supreme Court Rules Congress Can’t Require States to Prohibit Sports Betting

“This is a victory for competitive federalism,” said Rick Esenberg, President and General Counsel of WILL

WILL Wins Open Records Fight with Representative Brostoff
Press Release

WILL Wins Open Records Fight with Representative Brostoff

Despite this settlement, the legal issue of whether custodians must provide records in their electronic format when requested remains unresolved.

WILL Releases Most Comprehensive Analysis of School Performance
Press Release

WILL Releases Most Comprehensive Analysis of School Performance

"Our study is the most comprehensive, updated analysis on Wisconsin school performance," Dr. Will Flanders, author of the report says.

WILL Memo: Bill Could End Tailgating As We Know It
Press Release

WILL Memo: Bill Could End Tailgating As We Know It

The bill and amendment unanimously passed the Assembly by voice vote.

WILL Sues Rep. Brostoff in E-mail Dispute
Press Release

WILL Sues Rep. Brostoff in E-mail Dispute

Brostoff is refusing to turn over electronic records, instead insisting on printing them and charging unnecessary fees.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Takes WILL Case Challenging Wisconsin’s Law Prohibiting Cemeteries from Operating Funeral Homes
Press Release

Wisconsin Supreme Court Takes WILL Case Challenging Wisconsin’s Law Prohibiting Cemeteries from Operating Funeral Homes

The law does nothing more than protect funeral directors from competition.

ICYMI: Wall Street Journal Highlights Marquette Professor’s Fight for Academic Freedom
Press Release

ICYMI: Wall Street Journal Highlights Marquette Professor’s Fight for Academic Freedom

In April of 2016 Professor McAdams enlisted the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty to sue Marquette University for breach of contract.

CJ Szafir Promoted to Executive Vice President
Press Release

CJ Szafir Promoted to Executive Vice President

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty announced the promotion of CJ Szafir to Executive Vice President.

WILL on K-12 School Report Cards
Press Release

WILL on K-12 School Report Cards

The report cards include two major changes from previous years: the full inclusion of private schools in the choice programs and the use of student growth as a metric for school performance.

WILL Sues State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers
Press Release

WILL Sues State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers

The lawsuit claims that Evers and DPI are refusing to follow the newly enacted REINS Act.

WILL Study Explores How School Districts Comply With Open Records Laws
Press Release

WILL Study Explores How School Districts Comply With Open Records Laws

Report documents the average response time for open records requests for twelve of Wisconsin’s largest school districts.

WILL Files Petition for Review With The Wisconsin Supreme Court In Professor McAdams’ Case Against Marquette
Press Release

WILL Files Petition for Review With The Wisconsin Supreme Court In Professor McAdams’ Case Against Marquette

WILL believes the court should hear the case now because there is no binding precedent on the question of how far academic freedom extends.

Wisconsin’s Largest Legal and Policy Center Continues to Grow
Press Release

Wisconsin’s Largest Legal and Policy Center Continues to Grow

Adds new staff to growing policy team

New Report Shows Impact of Current Accountability Measures in Milwaukee Parental Choice Program
Press Release

New Report Shows Impact of Current Accountability Measures in Milwaukee Parental Choice Program

Report challenges voucher program critics’ opposition that schools are “unaccountable”