Quote:
Originally Posted by i'va biggen
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From:
KU Public Affairs (publicaffairs@ku.edu) Sent:Mon 9/22/14 10:30 AM
To: Nice try EVA
To: Not going to happen for you
From: Timothy Caboni
Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs
RE: Political Activity Policies
Because the University of Kansas is a state-supported institution, there are certain state laws, Board of Regents policies, and university policies that govern the ways we engage in political activities. I hope this memo can answer some of the questions employees and students may have regarding political activity on campus. This document does not provide all of the answers, but links to more specific provisions are provided throughout the memo.
If you are still unsure if an activity is permissible, I encourage you to seek the guidance of KU’s Office of the General Counsel beforehand. To be clear — the University of Kansas encourages campus members to be engaged and active citizens.
Political Activities on Campus: Kansas Board of Regents and University Policies
Use of Campus Facilities
The University of Kansas has hosted many political figures, including local, state, national, and international officials who have visited classrooms and attended events. These are welcome visits governed by a few rules regarding the use of campus facilities for fundraising events, political meetings, and political announcements.
The Kansas Board of Regents prohibits the use of state facilities for the purposes of fundraising for a political candidate or party. Facilities may be made available for political meetings in the event that it does not interfere with the event center’s previous schedule, there is no other available space in the area, students are allowed free entry, and the event sponsors pay the standard event fees. In the event that a political figure visits the university, they may not be formally introduced unless participating at the campus event they are attending.
Use of Campus Mail and Email
As always, Campus Mail may not be used for personal, business, solicitation, or political purposes. Exceptions may be granted by the Chancellor or Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor if the content in question is in the best interest of the university.
Similarly, university email accounts may not be used for purposes of partisan fundraising, scheduling political rallies, planning campaign meetings, etc. Private email accounts should be used for such purposes.
Use of Bulletin Boards and Posting
Classroom bulletin boards or bulletin boards designated for university units are for the express purpose of instruction and unit information. Any political or promotional material posted on bulletin boards or other surfaces, including walls, doors, chairs, utility poles, bus stops, or newspaper distribution boxes may be removed without notice.
Campus Housing
In order to curtail political activity within student housing, all posted items, political or not, must be submitted and approved by the housing facility’s service desk. Additionally, soliciting is prohibited at all university residences. For example, a campus or outside organization may not distribute fliers door to door at scholarship halls or in residence halls.
For further details on Kansas Board of Regents and University policies regarding political activity on campus, please visit thePolitical Activity page of the Policy Library.
Political Activities of State Student and Employees on Campus: Kansas Law
The Use of Authority
It may sound counterintuitive to encourage employees to be active in politics and then prohibit certain activities on campus; however, the state of Kansas makes it very clear that no state employee may use his or her position to directly or indirectly influence another employee’s political affiliations or activities. We must be mindful of words or actions that may make peers feel obligated to vote or donate in a certain way, affiliate with a certain party, or engage in a particular political activity. That being said, spirited political discussions among employees and students are fully encouraged – so long as they do not interfere with University operations.
The Use of Work Time and Property
With an election year comes the desire to spread the word about candidates or causes we support. Be aware, though, that it is prohibited for a state employee to use work time and/or work property for the purposes of a political campaign or activity. For example, you may not spend your designated work hours to campaign for a certain candidate. You may not use any University of Kansas property for the benefit of a campaign; such as using a KU vehicle in a campaign parade or printing fliers with KU property.
Please keep in mind that Kansas law allows for the dismissal, demotion, or suspension of state employees who engage in these prohibited activities.
Other Activities
Employees may not transport campaign literature in state vehicles or distribute it on campus. Bumper stickers are completely acceptable on your personal vehicle. Additionally, solicitation for political activities and contributions may not occur on state property, especially with implied or articulated offers of “special favors or threats of penalty”.
We would like to reiterate that we fully encourage and think highly of political engagement and discussions. You absolutely may affiliate yourself with a party, campaign for a party or candidate, donate to political causes, and solicit funds for campaigns as long as the University of Kansas is not involved in any manner.
For further details on the political activities of state employees on campus, please see thePolitical Activities of State Employees Memorandum.
