Rutgers Policy on Electoral Political Activities and the Use of University Resources
Policy Information
The governance and conduct of Rutgers University shall be free of partisanship. This policy discusses the rights of members of the university community to participate in the election process while maintaining the university’s position of non-partisanship. The policy outlines what activities members of the university community can engage in during official university functions, on their own time, and as political candidates.
The use of university resources for political activities is prohibited.
What Does the Policy Do?
- Explains that the university does not participate in political campaigns, and that no member of the university community may speak or act in the name of the university in a political campaign
- States that Rutgers maintains institutional neutrality in political electoral campaigns. No activity should give the impression that the university takes sides in a political campaign
- Prohibits the university endorsement of political candidates and states that no university funds or resources shall be contributed to any political campaign for public office
- Gives guidelines for use of university facilities, property, or services for politically-related events, including the speaking of political candidates
- Gives examples of permissible activities for Rutgers community members and the appropriate times to engage in these activities
Policy Excerpt on Permissible Electoral Political Activities
From Section IV of the policy
What are some examples of activities in which members of the university community may properly engage in official university functions or settings when consistent with this policy?
The following are examples of such permissible activities that are consistent with this policy:
- Discuss ideological or political issues or teach about political issues or techniques
- Engage in academic endeavors which address public policy
- Conduct scholarly research on the effects of a campaign proposal on the university, state, economy, etc.
- Compile and assemble data and other factual information on the effects of a campaign proposal
- Disseminate factual material and/or the results of scholarly research to news organizations, academic journals, etc.
- Post factual material and/or the results of research to a university website
- Plan conferences, forums, symposia, or panel discussions -- or invite guest speakers to campus -- to discuss campaign-related issues
What are some examples of activities in which members of the university community may properly engage on their own time (provided they do not use university resources and do not say or imply they are acting on behalf of the university)?
The following are some examples of such permissible activities that are consistent with this policy:
- Contribute money to a political campaign
- Act as a campaign volunteer by writing letters, making phone calls, knocking on doors, or distributing flyers in support of or opposition to a political campaign
- Organize or attend rallies in support of or opposition to a political campaign
- Write letters to the editor or op-ed pieces for publication
- Give speeches or participate in debates
- Write to elected officials to express their opinion