51ÁÔÆæ

To establish guidelines regarding political activity by employees on 51ÁÔÆæ's (51ÁÔÆæ) campus. This policy is not intended to improperly prohibit or limit 51ÁÔÆæ’s employees from exercising their freedom of speech or political association.

Applies to all 51ÁÔÆæ employees.

Policy

51ÁÔÆæ respects the rights of its employees as citizens to engage in local, state and national politics.  However, because 51ÁÔÆæ is a public entity, and to ensure the orderly operations of 51ÁÔÆæ, compliance with the following guidelines is required regarding political activity by employees on 51ÁÔÆæ’s campus.

Guidelines

1. Employees may not engage in the promotion of or opposition to any political organization or cause or any candidate for public office (local, state or national) on campus during regular working hours or at official 51ÁÔÆæ functions.  Further, employees may not engage in political activity that is disruptive to the workplace or 51ÁÔÆæ’s operations or interferes with 51ÁÔÆæ’s educational mission.
2. Employees may not, in their official capacities, endorse candidates for public office. Further, when engaging in political activity, employees should avoid any appearance that they are speaking or acting for or on behalf of 51ÁÔÆæ.
3. Faculty should avoid the promotion of or opposition to any particular political organization or cause or any candidate for public office (local, state or national) in fulfilling their instructional responsibilities.
4. In accordance with 51ÁÔÆæ’s lobbying policy, 51ÁÔÆæ employees may not lobby on behalf of 51ÁÔÆæ without the express authorization of the President.
5. Employees may not be used to promote or oppose political candidates, or organizations, or federal or state proposed legislation.  Similarly, 51ÁÔÆæ’s supplies, materials, equipment, telephones, printing or copying services and its email service may not be used to promote or oppose a political candidate or organization. Employees may not use 51ÁÔÆæ emails when contacting any elected politician when stating a personal opinion, and should only use their personal or non-51ÁÔÆæ email.  Exceptions may be made only at the direction of 51ÁÔÆæ’s Board of Trustees.
6. The physical facilities of 51ÁÔÆæ may not be used by candidates who are employees of 51ÁÔÆæ, except to the extent they may be used by non-employee candidates.  The use of 51ÁÔÆæ facilities for political activities shall be subject to 51ÁÔÆæ’s facility use policies and procedures regardless of whether the use of its facilities is by 51ÁÔÆæ employees or non-employees.
7. Employees who are considering running for or being appointed to public office should discuss potential conflicts or work arrangements with their supervisor and notify Human Resources.  Employees who are candidates for political office:
   
   1. May not use 51ÁÔÆæ’s personnel, equipment, supplies, services or other resources in their election efforts;
   2. May not attempt to coerce employees or students to participate in or support their candidacy;
   3. Must ensure their candidacy does not interfere with the discharge or performance of their duties or responsibilities; and
   4. May not depict their personal views as representing 51ÁÔÆæ.
8. Employees are permitted to campaign freely in a manner that does not violate 51ÁÔÆæ’s policies and procedures nor interferes with the performance of their duties and responsibilities.  Employees may choose, however, to use their PTO or request leave without compensation in order to campaign for elective office or to serve in an elective office.  Requests for leave to campaign for public office will be considered on an individual basis taking into account the employee’s position and the effect the leave may have on 51ÁÔÆæ’s operations.

Applicable Law