To protect UW–Madison employees from retaliation for disclosing information regarding a violation of any state or federal law, rule or regulation, mismanagement or abuse of authority in state or local government, substantial waste of public funds, or a danger to public health or safety.
For purposes of this policy, see Wis. Stat. 230.80, Definitions, and DWD chapter 224.02, Definitions
This policy applies to all university employees as defined in Wis. Stat. § 230.80(3), including faculty, academic staff, university staff employees, and most limited employees.
UW–Madison employees, except for those exceptions listed in in Wis. Stat. § 230.80(3), may not be retaliated against for disclosing information regarding a violation of any state or federal law, rule or regulation, mismanagement or abuse of authority in state or local government, substantial waste of public funds, or a danger to public health or safety.
The law states that an employee of the State of Wisconsin, including UW–Madison employees, except for certain exceptions listed in § 230.80(3), may not be retaliated against for disclosing information regarding a violation of any state or federal law, rule or regulation, mismanagement or abuse of authority in state or local government, substantial waste of public funds or a danger to public health or safety. An employee may disclose information to any other person. However, before disclosing information to anyone other than an attorney, collective bargaining representative or legislature, the employee must do one of the following: disclose the information in writing to the employee's supervisor, or disclose the information in writing to an appropriate governmental unit designated by the Equal Rights Division, a division of the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Individuals may file a complaint within 60 days after the retaliation or threat of retaliation occurred.
The Whistleblower law prohibits the University from taking any retaliatory disciplinary action against an employee who has made a protected disclosure. If an employee believes he or she has been the subject of retaliation, they may file a written complaint with the Equal Rights Division of the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
09-30-2019