MADISON – The University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Knights of Columbus Council
6568 have reached an agreement that will allow the formation of a broadly inclusive
Registered Student Organization (RSO) in time for the fall 2006 semester.
The new group, Knights of Columbus Affiliates (UW-Madison), will be organized by and
open to all students, thus meeting student organization eligibility requirements.
The group will be affiliated with Council 6568 and have the goal of organizing
volunteer service and other community-based activities.
Previously, the university was unable to recognize Council 6568 as an RSO because
the group’s policy limiting membership to Catholic men does not comply with state
law prohibiting discrimination against students on the basis of religion.
Discussions on a compromise between the university’s Student Organizations Office
and Council 6568 have been taking place throughout the summer.
“We have been working hard to reach a good outcome for everyone,” says Casey Nagy,
executive assistant to Chancellor John Wiley. “We recognize that the group’s service
work is of great value to the community and student education.
“This agreement provides that the affiliate group will be controlled and directed by
students, meet non-discrimination requirements and other student organization
criteria,” he adds.
There are scores of religiously focused RSOs on the UW-Madison campus, open to all
interested students. In 2005-2006, they made up 67 of a total of 750 RSOs.
The Knights of Columbus Affiliates will be recognized by the university after
leaders attend an orientation session later this month and student status is
verified for the student contacts for the group.
Registered student organization status allows groups to reserve space on campus, the
ability to recruit students at events organized by the Student Organizations Office
and use UW-Madison’s name in affiliation with its title.
For a complete set of university policies related to student organizations, visit:
http://soo.studentorg.wisc.edu/handbook/06-07/eligibility_and_regitration.html
