Consult rules for partisan political activities

August 26, 2014

Carla Browning

The political campaign season is upon us again, and questions will come up regarding candidate appearances and political communications.

By law, university employees may not use or permit the use of email or other university property or resources for partisan political purposes. Partisan political purpose is defined by law as anything done with the purpose of differentially benefiting or harming a candidate or potential candidate, political party or group. (See AS 39.52.120(b)(6).)

The following are some general guidelines. However, because the Ethics Act and other applicable law is complex and some issues may involve constitutionally protected speech or matters of academic freedom under Board of Regents’ policy, please seek advice through your supervisor, Human Resources and the General Counsel’s office if you have questions regarding a specific case.

Generally impermissible activities include:

• Students or employees using university networks to send bulk email supporting a candidate or party.

• Employees hosting partisan gatherings using university facilities or resources without payment for the use.

• Students or employees using university resources to reproduce or distribute partisan campaign materials.

• Displaying or distributing partisan political material while engaged on official business (AS 39.25.178(3)).

Activities generally not considered partisan use of university resources include:

• Hosting an all-candidate forum or debate as a public service.

• Faculty inviting a candidate to a class to address matters related to the class.

• Authorized student clubs using their funds to host partisan gatherings on campus or participate in partisan events.

• University spokespersons, students or UA advocates informing legislators, candidates and the public about university priorities, requested budgets, positions, programs and/or research activities.

• Employees standing at a corner on campus during lunch waving a partisan sign.

The university encourages and respects personal participation in political activity, including partisan activity. Please, however, do not use resources entrusted to us by the public for partisan purposes.

At the same time, bear in mind that it is not feasible or in the university’s interests to attempt to regulate minor personal use of phone or email. Potential violations should be addressed after careful consideration of the circumstances and consultation with your supervisor, Human Resources and the General Counsel’s office.