Chancellor’s statement on interviews

Chancellor John Wiley issued the following statement Thursday, Dec. 6, regarding federal plans to interview Dane County residents as part of anti-terrorism efforts:

“The University of Wisconsin–Madison Police Department has declined to participate in arranging and conducting interviews for the U.S. Attorney’s office with a number of Dane County residents including UW–Madison international students.

“Let me emphasize that the university always cooperates fully with local, state and federal law enforcement investigations of suspected criminal activity. We will continue to do so in the future.

“But university officials, including me, believe the criteria to select individuals for interviews — outlined late Wednesday, Dec. 5, by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Wisconsin — is broadly based and appears to consist of people who are not suspected of any crimes or suspicious activities.

“As always, our Legal Services office will provide whatever records or supplementary information is requested by law enforcement officials, consistent with state and federal laws. The university police department will not participate at this time in the interviews.

“If criminal activity is suspected at any time, campus police will cooperate fully in any investigation. And UW–Madison police will continue to actively serve with the U.S. Attorney Task Force for the Western District of Wisconsin.

“The university will continue to provide advice and support to UW–Madison students who have questions about their visa status and responsibilities. We continue to respond to student questions and concerns, and can provide counseling if necessary.”