Participating in elections is a fundamental and vital right we enjoy as American citizens. As public employees, however, there are important laws and policies that govern our engagement in campaigns and political activity while in our official capacity. As the general election season approaches, it is an appropriate time to be reminded of both our personal civic duty and the relevant laws and policies that apply to us as UT employees.
The Little Hatch Act prohibits University employees, while on University time, from engaging actively in political campaigns, attending political meetings, using their official positions to interfere with or affect the result of an election, or performing political duties or functions that are not a part of their University employment. Tennessee law prohibits public university employees from displaying any type of political advertising (e.g., signs, banners, posters) on the premises of any building, land, equipment, or vehicles owned by the University of Tennessee or the State of Tennessee.
Importantly, UT policy states that University resources must not be used when engaging in personal political activity. These resources include but are not limited to letterhead, e-mail accounts, social media channels, stationary supplies, and University-owned hardware. Put simply, political activity undertaken by UT employees should occur on their personal time as private citizens and utilizing their personal resources.
It is also an appropriate time to remind our community of the University of Tennessee’s institutional neutrality policy, which was affirmed by the UT Board of Trustees earlier this year.
As representatives of the University of Tennessee, we have a shared responsibility to uphold the values and reputation of our campuses and institutes. This includes maintaining a clear distinction between personal views and the official stance of the University. Our institution’s name and brand carry significant influence, and it is imperative that they are not used to endorse any political candidate, party, or agenda.
The University of Tennessee is committed to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can flourish, and our focus remains on education, research, and service to our communities. Endorsing a specific position on political issues not only undermines this mission but also creates an exclusionary atmosphere that conflicts with our commitment to viewpoint diversity.
Additionally, please be especially mindful of the content shared on official University social media platforms. Posting political commentary, making political statements, or presenting personal opinions as those of the University is strictly prohibited. Such actions can erode the trust our community and the public place in us.
If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to reach out to governmentrelations@tennessee.edu.
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| Randy Boyd President, University of Tennessee System |