I think, in some ways, you’re watching the news too much. All colleges “can” have protests.
My daughter’s college just had one because they are taking a dorm out of service for renovations and there will be less campus housing and the average rent in their city is $1700.
Some protests a colleges in investments in certain countries, etc.
I think, most kids are a-political - more interested in parties or football - certainly at these schools. But you’ll have people who are passionate about something - and that’s what’s great about college. I highly doubt at either school it will be in your face - unless you seek it out. Sure, you’ll walk past it, you’ll see flyers, etc. but if you chose to avoid it, you’ll easily be able to do so.
If you wanted to know the "ratings - Niche rates Clemson of 1700 schools - about 1383 most liberal - i.e. it’s actually rated in the top half of conservative colleges (there’s 850 liberal and 850 conservative - but I mash them together to be one. So Clemson will lean conservative - but you’ve already read above some families say their NE liberal kids flourish there.
Wisconsin is #317 so it’s going to skew more liberal. It all makes sense based on the respective locations of each school.
If you’re looking for a non-political environment, I think you’ll be fine at either school. I’m sure you’ll find classmates to rationally discuss and others who are irrational - just like you would at 98% of schools - outside an American U or Liberty or Hillsdale, etc.
If you seek diversity (racial), you’ll find more at Wisconsin.
Honestly, you should visit both - and see fit wise, where you feel the most comfort.
The geographic differences are stark - but otherwise, they’re two well respected state schools - Clemson fast rising, Wisconsin always well respected - and if you visit both, due to their different layouts, geographies and vibes, one will likely speak to you more than the other- and you’ll know you’re at home!!!