The University of Washington (UW) is firmly committed to supporting and legally bound to permit speech that falls within the broad definition of protected expression. University faculty, postdocs, staff, and students are free and encouraged to engage with the political process by exercising their rights to be politically active as citizens.
There are, however, relevant University policies and Washington state law that members of the University community should be aware of before engaging in these activities. The guidelines below summarize these policies and laws to help assist individuals make decisions about how to engage appropriately in political campaigning and other political activities while also being members of the broader University community.
Political campaigning using University resources is not permitted.
Definitions
For the purposes of these guidelines, political campaigning includes any activity to solicit support — financial or otherwise — for or against ballot issues or the election of a person to an office.
Other political activities include, but are not limited to, activities to solicit support — financial or otherwise — for or against legislation, governmental policies or other political issues.
University resources include, but are not limited to, University funds and purchasing mechanisms, including the Procurement Card; University offices, conference rooms and other spaces and facilities; University vehicles; University copiers, computers and other electronic equipment; University computer networks, websites, social media accounts, e-mail accounts, listservs and mailing lists; University telephones, and voicemail and mail systems; University letterhead, stationery and other office supplies (e.g., pens, toner, paper); and University branding (e.g., logos).
University employees (including faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars and student employees)
University employees may not use University resources for personal benefit or gain, or for the benefit or gain of any other individuals or outside organizations. While the use of University resources in support of political campaigning is strictly prohibited, some limited (de minimis) personal use of University resources by University employees may be permitted for other political activities, but is generally discouraged.
There are instances where UW personnel may speak or lobby in their official UW capacity about political issues or affairs. To ensure that activity is done legally and most effectively, please reach out to the UW External Affairs office.
University employees (including student employees) may not engage in political campaigning during work hours.
University staff who wish to attend to personal matters during the workday may do so during their breaks and lunches. Employees who wish to be absent from work during their regular working hours are to request and receive supervisor approval in advance of the absence.
Employees who are absent from work during regular working hours will follow the terms of their employment program for such absences, including the use of accrued leave (annual, sick, or personal holiday, as appropriate for the purpose of their absence).
When participating in political campaigning or other political activities as a private citizen, University employees should be careful to ensure their participation cannot be interpreted as expressing the position of the University of Washington. Specifically:
- University employees are free to express their individual and collective political views, provided they understand and make clear that they are not speaking for or in the name of the University of Washington.
- University employees should make it clear that any reference to their title and affiliation with the University is for identification purposes only.
Students
In keeping with its educational and service mission, and its desire to promote discussion of and participation in political and civic issues, the UW encourages and supports the involvement of students in government and political affairs within the following parameters:
- Students are free to express their individual and collective political views, provided they understand and make clear that they are not speaking for or in the name of the University of Washington.
- With the exception of individual student email accounts, personal use of University resources by students in support of political campaigning is prohibited. Some limited (de minimis) personal use of University resources by students may be permitted for other political activities, but is generally discouraged.
- Registered Student Organizations (RSO) may use their resources to support political campaigning and other political activities as long as they are in compliance with the RSO Policy Guide.
- RSOs and other informal student groups may receive permission to use available University facilities for partisan and/or non-partisan political activities, provided that such organizations make the necessary arrangements with appropriate University officials; pay the normal costs, if any, for such use (including any increased security costs); and recognize their obligation to abide by all applicable University rules and regulations.
- Whenever a RSO or group of students hosts, sponsors, or publicizes a politically-related event, the sponsoring student group must deliver a disclaimer explaining that the use of University facilities or resources for this event does not constitute an endorsement by the UW, the views of those invited to speak on campus are the views of the speaker and not of the UW, and that the UW does not endorse or oppose any candidate or organization.
- Activities must comply with WAC 478-136-130 (section 3)