1.19 Political Activities at Work

The University holds a federal income tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"). As a 501(c)(3) organization the University is prohibited from:

• directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office; and

• devoting any substantial part of its activities to the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided by federal laws or regulations).

The University strictly prohibits any employee from engaging in any activity, while working on or off campus, that would cause the University to violate any of these restrictions. These restrictions in no way prohibit an employee's individual political activities (as opposed to political activities on behalf of the University). However, any such individual political activities must be conducted entirely on the employee's own time. University resources (for example, facilities, telephones, copiers, materials, or personnel time) may not be used in connection with those individual political activities. Also, an employee may not use the University’s logo or letterhead, or otherwise suggest that the employee is expressing a position of the University, when engaging in individual political activities.

For further informaiton that provides guidance for those wanting to post displays and distribute materials on University property, see the University’s Display Policy.