UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH POLICY 02-03-09
CATEGORY: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
SECTION: Academic Integrity
SUBJECT: Participation in Political Campaigns
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 10, 1989
PAGE(S): 1
I. SCOPE
This policy establishes regulations on participation in political campaigns
by faculty,
staff, and students of the University, and supercedes any existing University policy on
this subject.
II. POLICY
General Individual members of the University community have a right to
participate or
not, as they see fit, in the political process so long as there is no conflict with the
discharge of their regular duties. The University of Pittsburgh, as an institution, however,
does not endorse, support or take positions for or against any political candidate for
office and no individual may speak or act in the name of the University in a political
campaign.
A voluntary organization consisting of members of the University community
(other than
groups which have formal responsibilities for governance, administration, or instruction)
may adopt resolutions endorsing or opposing a candidate or taking a position on an
issue involved in a campaign for the purpose of assisting or opposing a candidate. Such
resolutions, whether
written or verbal, should clearly indicate that they speak only for their
organization and do not state a University position.
University funds, facilities, or services may not be used for any participation
or intervention
in a political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office, except as provided
below. Individual University employees may freely make private political contributions from
their own personal funds. They must not, however, allow even an appearance that they
are doing so in their official University capacities (for example, by using University
stationery to forward
a contribution).
These principles are not intended to inhibit or restrict the reporting of
student or
employee involvement in politics or the expression of editorial views, identified as such,
in nonpartisan media such as student publications
and broadcasts.
Student Activities Fees In order to insure the proper expenditure of student
activities
fees, the following rules shall apply:
- Student activities fees shall not be used to fund contributions or
honorariums for any
candidate running for public office.
- Student activities fees shall not be used in whole or in part to pay
dues or
membership fees to any organization engaged in the support of a candidate running
for public office or other political activity.
Endorsements by Recognized Student Organizations Recognized student organizations
have the autonomy to make endorsements of candidates provided their membership
has been given an opportunity to vote on such an endorsement.
All endorsements by recognized student organizations shall make it clear that
the
endorsement represents the view of that organization and does not represent a position
of the University of Pittsburgh.
Recognized student organizations may set up tables or booths to distribute
candidate
information only at the following approved locations around the University.
Interior Table Locations Reserve Through
1. Michael L. Benedum
Hall of Engineering Lobby Engineering Student Cabinet
2. William Pitt Union
Art Gallery and Concourse Booth William Pitt Union Reservations Office
3. Cathedral of Learning
Ground Floor Booth William Pitt Union Reservations Office
4. Scaife Hall, 4th Floor Lobby William Pitt Union Reservations Office
5. Langley Hall Lobby William Pitt Union Reservations Office
6. Chevron Science Center Lobby William Pitt Union Reservations Office
7. Edward H. Litchfield Towers Lobby Residence Life Office
8. Lawrence Hall Lobby William Pitt Union Reservations Office
Invitations to Political Candidates to Speak on Campus Candidates for public office
may
be invited to speak or appear on campus by University affiliated organizations. University
facilities must have the approval of the Vice President for Public Affairs, and be reserved
through the Reservations Office. See Procedure 04-01-01, Extracurricular Use of
University Facilities.
Candidates may appear on campus to make their views known to the University community
as an educational program to promote a better informed citizenry. Such meeting must be
open to all members of the University community. Any program involving candidates shall
be arranged so that discussion between the candidate and the audience can occur. All
points of view shall be permitted to be raised in free and open discussion. All candidates
for a particular office shall be given an opportunity to appear on campus subject only to
the requirements that their appearance be sponsored by a University
affiliated organization.
Candidates shall be charged for all costs incurred by the University arising out of their
appearance with are related to their status as candidates, e.g., cost of additional security.
Distribution of Leaflets In order to provide the needed mechanisms for student
organizations to participate in campaigns, the following key exterior locations have been
approved for leafletting. Under no circumstances will it be permissible to tape, glue, staple,
or
otherwise affix such literature to University or City property.
1. Cathedral of Learning, Fifth Avenue Entrance
2. Cathedral of Learning, Bigelow Entrance
3. Lawrence Hall Entrance
4. Hillman Library, Lower Entrance at Bigelow
5. William Pitt Union Entrances, Forbes and Fifth
6. Schenley Quadrangle
7. Edward H. Litchfield Towers, Forbes Entrance
8. Langley Hall Entrance
9. Michael L. Benedum Hall of Engineering Entrance
Distribution of political leaflets at other campus locations is prohibited except with prior
approval of the Vice President for Public Affairs.
Political Rallies With the exception of leafletting in approved locations and the invitation
of speakers, as described above, all other kinds of political activities on campus, including
rallies, are prohibited.