4.34 Political Activities


(Adopted 1-6-1997; Revised 8-25-2008, Revised 5-9-2016)

All activities by College employees and all uses of College property for political purposes or in the context of political issues shall comply with federal and state laws and should protect the neutrality of the College.

Procedures

4.34.1  Election Advocacy Expenditures (Revised 5-9-2016)

No person shall make any contribution or expenditure of any College funds or use any property of the College to advocate, support, or oppose any ballot measure or candidate for public office.  The use of College property to host candidates or sponsor events on an unbiased and non-partisan basis for educational purposes is not prohibited by this provision.

4.34.2  Endorsements

No person shall make any endorsement for any political candidate on behalf of the College or imply that such an endorsement exists, nor shall any private activity of any person employed by or associated with the College be deemed to be such an endorsement.

4.34.3  Candidate Debates and Events

For educational purposes designed to inform voters, the College may invite candidates to visit the campus to speak or debate.  Invitations shall be made only by the College President or designee and shall be on a non-discriminatory, non-partisan basis, limited only by the need to provide a fair and workable forum.  No changes in the normal schedule of College activities will be made for these events.

4.34.4  Disruption of Educational Process (Revised 8-25-2008, Revised 5-9-2016)

Political activities on College property, including canvassing, shall not cause unreasonable disruption of the College function, nor any danger to community members, damage to personal or College property, or unconstitutional interference with the rights of others.

4.34.5  Employee Candidacy

No employee of the College shall engage in any activity promoting their own candidacy for public office during any hours in which they are acting on behalf of the College.