Political Activities Policy
WMU Political Activities Policy
Please review the Political Activities Policy
Below is a summary that provides a clearer framework of the Policy; however, the entirety of the Policy takes precedence.
Purpose of WMU Political Activities Policy
- Ensure campaign activity and political activities on campus comply with the law.
- Protect WMU’s tax-exempt status by complying with lobbying and campaign finance laws.
- Prevent university employees from engaging in political campaigns in their official capacity.
- Ensure university resources do not support political candidates.
- Encourage the university community to exercise their constitutional right to vote, participate in the political process, and express their opinions on political candidates, issues, and referendums.
- Encourage office holders and candidates to visit campus and interact with Â鶹´«Ã½s.
Five Important Questions on any Political Activities
1. Has the Office of Government Relations (OGR) been contacted?
Since most situations are not black and white, please contact the Office of Government Relations first. This places the responsibility on OGR to help navigate the issue and connect with the political candidate.
2. Are University resources being used for political activities (campaigning)?
As a public university with tax-exempt status, university resources (money, university/department logos, property) cannot be utilized to support any form of political activity.
3. Is the individual acting in their current official elected position or as a candidate?
In some cases, elected officials are also candidates. It’s important to distinguish in what capacity they’re conducting themselves. If they’re here in their official elected position or as a private citizen, they’re not allowed to campaign (including wearing buttons/pins that identify them as a candidate).
4. Is the event for the public or for private audience?
If the event is public and one candidate has been invited, all registered candidates for the same office must be invited to attend. If the event is private, the candidate can present their platform, but no promotional materials can indicate that the public is invited.
5. Is the decision consistent with previous situations? Could it create precedence?
To ensure fair and consistent treatment of all candidates, it is important to contact the Office of Government Relations. This will help ensure that all situations are handled consistently.
Practice Scenarios
- A U.S. Representative has contacted the Office of Government Relations (OGR) at WMU to schedule a naturalization ceremony on campus. He has expressed a strong desire to deliver a speech during the ceremony. Should he be allowed to speak?
- A former employee has been invited by a Political Science professor at WMU to present her "Free Speech 101" presentation to their class. The former employee is currently a candidate for Congress. Should the former employee be allowed to present?
- An RSO/department is organizing a public forum/event that has political candidates present. Should the public forum/event be allowed to continue? What steps need to be taken?
The Policy is complex and scenario-specific. We encourage everyone to contact the Office of Government Relations (OGR) as soon as possible once any requests are received for further direction and guidance.