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Election year dos and don’ts: Guidance for University employees on political activities from the Office of the General Counsel | Inside Princeton
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srcset="/sites/g/files/toruqf456/files/styles/16x9_750w_422h/public/2024-09/20140123_cl_campus_buildings_snow003-.jpg?itok=_cJ-2Xga 750w, /sites/g/files/toruqf456/files/styles/16x9_1440w_810h/public/2024-09/20140123_cl_campus_buildings_snow003-.jpg?itok=cVyHgULs 1440w, /sites/g/files/toruqf456/files/styles/16x9_2880w_1620h/public/2024-09/20140123_cl_campus_buildings_snow003-.jpg?itok=F3luK04k 2880w" sizes="(min-width: 1440px) 1440px, 100vw" width="750" height="422" src="/sites/g/files/toruqf456/files/styles/16x9_1440w_810h/public/2024-09/20140123_cl_campus_buildings_snow003-.jpg?itok=cVyHgULs" alt="Buildings in the winter" /> <figcaption class="figure-caption"><p><em>Photo by Nick Barberio, Princeton University</em></p><p> </p></figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-ps-news-publication-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">Sept. 27, 2024</div> <div class="field field--name-field-ps-lede field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>As the 2024 presidential election nears, University faculty and staff should take note of the legal framework governing the University’s participation in political activities and engagement.</p></div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-ps-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Though Princeton encourages members of the University community to exercise their freedom of association and expression, leading up to Election Day we should also understand the guidelines surrounding participation in political activity while on campus, “on the job” and acting as representatives of the University.</p><p>Like many educational institutions, Princeton University operates under a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This designation comes with explicit rules and regulations, <a href="https://rrr.princeton.edu/university-wide-regulations/15-guidelines-relating-tax-exempt-status-university-and-political">referenced in Rights, Rules, Responsibilities (RRR)</a>, that prohibit the institution from engaging in partisan politics. The guidelines help to maintain compliance and safeguard the University's tax-exempt status.</p><p dir="ltr">We sat down with Robert Berness, University counsel, and Jeffrey Bohme, associate University counsel of Princeton’s <a href="https://ogc.princeton.edu/">Office of the General Counsel</a>, and asked them to outline general "dos and don'ts" and to clarify the legalities and any gray areas that could help avoid potential issues.</p><p><strong>To get us started, could you share a brief overview of the legal framework governing University staff participation in political activities during the 2024 election?</strong></p><p dir="ltr">The University’s policy on political activities is described in <a href="https://rrr.princeton.edu/university-wide-regulations/15-guidelines-relating-tax-exempt-status-university-and-political">RRR 1.5.</a></p><p dir="ltr">Because the University is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization, it is prohibited from participating in partisan political activities, such as endorsing or opposing candidates for office or advocating for particular political parties’ position(s). The University can engage in a certain amount of lobbying on legislation and issue advocacy on matters important to the University's mission, for example, funding for fundamental research or the importance of higher education, in which the <a href="https://oga.princeton.edu/">Office of Government Affairs</a> generally manages these activities. </p><p dir="ltr"><strong>How do these legal limitations impact faculty and staff?</strong></p><p dir="ltr">As University employees, faculty and staff are typically considered representatives of the organization while they are “on the job.” Engaging in partisan political activities while on duty, while at work, or when the circumstances create the perception that the University is endorsing such activities, could put our tax-exempt status at risk. Therefore, everyone must understand and respect these limitations, to uphold the University's compliance.</p><p dir="ltr">Let's discuss some general dos and don'ts to better understand our political activity policies and how they apply in the workplace: </p><h2 dir="ltr">Do</h2><p><strong>Participate in the political process on your own time</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Faculty and staff are free to participate in the political process in their own capacity, on their own time, and using their own resources, so long as it is clear that they do not represent the University. </p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Engage in campaign-related activities in your personal capacity</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Faculty and staff may endorse candidates, volunteer for campaigns and otherwise participate in the election in their personal, individual capacity. However, you may not do so as a representative of Princeton University. </p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Feel free to talk politics on your personal social media accounts</strong></p><p dir="ltr">You are free to use your personal social media accounts as you see fit. However, the ordinary rules for political activities still apply, which are that you should not claim to or imply that you represent or speak on behalf of your department or the University.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Provide updated voter and election information to students and the community for awareness</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Federal law mandates that U.S. colleges and universities make voter registration forms available to students attending their institutions who are eligible to vote. At Princeton, the <a href="https://community.princeton.edu/news-events/annual-community-events/voting">Office of Community and Regional Affairs</a> provides voter registration and election information.</p><p dir="ltr">The University is committed to supporting this part of the process; however, all voter registration and educational activities must be conducted entirely in a nonpartisan manner.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Treat all students and fellow employees with respect regardless of their political expressions</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Individuals’ personal expressions are just that — personal — and are protected by the University’s Statement on Freedom of Expression (outlined in <a href="https://rrr.princeton.edu/university-wide-regulations/11-university-principles-general-conduct-and-regulations">RRR 1.1.3</a>). The University encourages “self-chosen participation in political and social action” as “important elements of a liberal arts education” (<a href="https://rrr.princeton.edu/university-wide-regulations/15-guidelines-relating-tax-exempt-status-university-and-political">RRR 1.5.1</a>). </p><p dir="ltr">Although employees and other members of the University community are free to have personal thoughts about views expressed on campus, they may not obstruct or otherwise interfere with others' freedom of expression (fairly enforcing University policies does not obstruct or interfere with others’ freedom of expression). As outlined in <a href="https://rrr.princeton.edu/university-wide-regulations/11-university-principles-general-conduct-and-regulations">RRR 1.1.3</a>, the University has a “solemn responsibility not only to promote a lively and fearless freedom of debate and deliberation but also to protect that freedom when others attempt to restrict it.”</p><h2 dir="ltr">Don’t</h2><p dir="ltr"><strong>Use University-affiliated social media accounts for political activity</strong></p><p dir="ltr">University-affiliated social media accounts should never be used to express partisan political opinions or engage in political activities; this prohibition includes posts that even implicitly support or oppose candidates or their positions. </p><p dir="ltr">If you are unsure whether a post is “partisan” or “political,” please consult with <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c0aaa6f2f380b0b2a9aea3a5b4afaeeea5a4b5">Jessica Leontarakis</a>, social media manager in the Office of Communications.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Use University resources for personal political activity</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Even “off the job” staff members may not use University resources (including, but not limited to, tangible items like laptops, phones and printers and intangible resources like University logos) for personal political activity. Those resources are to be used for Princeton’s nonprofit educational mission, not to support candidates for election. </p><p dir="ltr">Additionally, it would be improper for an employee to share a department email list or an email list of alumni donors with anyone for non-mission-related purposes, including with a candidate or party for fundraising or other campaign purposes.</p><p dir="ltr">Likewise, employees should not use Princeton email addresses to engage in political activities.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Navigating the “gray areas”</h2><p dir="ltr"><strong>Do you have guidance for Princeton employees who are also considered “public figures”?</strong></p><p dir="ltr">It is permissible for individuals, such as professors, to identify their professional affiliation with the University so long as they make clear that any views or opinions expressed are their own and should not be attributed to Princeton. </p><p dir="ltr">For example, if a professor is asked to opine on a matter within their expertise on a television show or podcast, it would be appropriate for them to introduce themselves as a member of the Princeton faculty. However, if they decide to take a partisan political stand on the show, it should be made clear that they speak only for themselves.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>What recommendations can you offer faculty and staff who wish to engage in personal political activities and conversations on campus?</strong></p><p dir="ltr">While on campus, employees should exercise special care because it may be harder to distinguish between personal and professional conduct.</p><p dir="ltr">Supervisors, especially, should avoid making political statements or encouraging political activity that could improperly influence their staff. No one should feel that their job performance depends on supporting their supervisor’s preferred candidate.</p><p dir="ltr">In general, employees should avoid all partisan political activities while “on the job;” however, this does not preclude, for example, academic discussions of matters of political interest or academic analysis of electoral issues. </p><p dir="ltr"><strong>When the University hosts political candidates or related events on campus, what can employees do to ensure these events are educational rather than partisan?</strong></p><p dir="ltr">A best practice before planning a political-related event is to refer to the <a href="https://ogc.princeton.edu/resources">detailed candidate appearance guidelines on The Office of the General Counsel’s website</a>, which are available to help the community navigate the rules governing these types of events.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>A few general principles to keep in mind are:</strong></p><ul><li dir="ltr">Sitting officials who are running for office may attend events in their official capacity so long as there is no campaign activity and the appearance is entirely unrelated to their campaigns;</li><li dir="ltr">Candidates may attend events so long as all candidates for the same office are given equivalent opportunities;</li><li dir="ltr">Candidates may not distribute materials or fundraise at events;</li><li dir="ltr">Debates and forums must be open to all candidates and conducted in a nonpartisan manner;</li><li dir="ltr">The University cannot expressly or impliedly indicate any support for, or opposition to, the candidate(s) attending the event.</li></ul><p dir="ltr"><strong>What additional resources are available to help faculty and staff understand and comply with election-related rules?</strong></p><p dir="ltr">The OGC is available to train faculty and staff groups on these issues in the fall. Those interested can find more detailed guidance and FAQs on the <a href="https://ogc.princeton.edu/resources">OGC website</a>.</p><p dir="ltr">Additionally, the Office of Human Resources and OGC will host the “Political Activity and Expression in the Workplace” workshop to help staff learn about our political activity policy and how to navigate discussions or situations with political elements respectfully and rationally. Faculty and staff can sign up for this workshop via the <a href="https://putrain.learn.com/learncenter.asp?id=178409&sessionid=3-C19C11A7-C87C-4B8B-8F5C-6AAC8FE1EA1C&page=155">Employee Learning Center</a>.</p></div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region layout__region--second layout__region--quarters layout__region--narrow"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </main> </div> </div> </div> <footer role="contentinfo" class="footer region region-footer" id="footer"> <h2 class="sr-only">Footer</h2> <div class="container"> <div class="region region-footer"> <div class="constrained-bkg-constrained-content layout layout--fourcol-25-25-25-25"> <div class="layout-inner-container"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--first layout__region--quarters layout__region--narrow"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:ps_text" class="block-ps-text with-block-description block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockps-text"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-ps-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><h4>Inside Princeton</h4> <p><a href="/form/feedback">Talk to us</a></p></div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region layout__region--second layout__region--quarters layout__region--narrow"> </div> <div class="layout__region layout__region--third layout__region--quarters layout__region--narrow"> </div> <div class="layout__region layout__region--fourth layout__region--quarters layout__region--narrow"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="subfooter"> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-4"> <div class="subfooter-links"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li> <a href="https://accessibility.princeton.edu/help">Accessibility Help</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-4"> <p class="copyright-text"> © 2024 The Trustees of Princeton University </p> </div> <div class="col-md-4 text-sm-left text-md-right copyright"> <a href="http://www.princeton.edu" class="pu-logo" title="Princeton University"><img src="/profiles/ps/themes/ps_base/images/pu-logo-stacked.svg" alt="Princeton University"/> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </footer> </div> </div> <span id="ps-current-username" data-username=""></span> <script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script><script src="/profiles/ps/themes/ps_base/bootstrap/js/bootstrap.min.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/linkpurpose/library/js/linkpurpose.min.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/linkpurpose/js/linkpurpose-drupal.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/modules/custom/ps_access/js/restricted_link_indicator.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/modules/custom/ps_core/js/link_behavior.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/modules/custom/ps_core/js/focusable-hash-fixer.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/modules/custom/ps_core/js/enhanced-focus.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/modules/custom/ps_core/js/search-terms-fragment-parser.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/modules/custom/ps_core/js/search-terms-highlighter.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/modules/custom/ps_core/js/collapse-text-search-terms-revealer.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/libraries/custom/select2/dist/js/select2.js?v=4.x"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/modules/custom/select2_simple/js/select2_simple.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/themes/ps_tiger/js/header.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/themes/ps_tiger/js/image-no-border.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/core/misc/active-link.js?v=10.3.6"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/themes/ps_base/js/main-menu.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/sites/g/files/toruqf456/themes/site/js/a11y.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/modules/custom/ps_core/js/utils.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/modules/custom/ps_core/js/columns.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/modules/custom/ps_core/js/tables.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/core/assets/vendor/js-cookie/js.cookie.min.js?v=3.0.5"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/modules/custom/ps_alerts/js/alerts.js?sm808k"></script> <script src="/core/misc/form.js?v=10.3.6"></script> <script src="/profiles/ps/modules/custom/ps_core/js/logout-link-username.js?sm808k"></script> </body> </html>