3.58 Partisan Political Activity

1. Policy

Piedmont University has a responsibility to protect its educational function and the resources of the University. As a non-profit, tax-exempt organization under 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code, is barred from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.  The use of the University’s facilities, funds, services, personnel, or other resources to support or oppose individuals or organizations campaigning for public office is strictly prohibited. There are no exceptions to this policy as even an insubstantial violation could result in fines and the possible loss of the University’s tax-exempt status.

Guidelines

1. Members of the Piedmont University community have the right to exercise their full freedom of expression and association. The University encourages students, faculty, and staff, in their individual capacities, to participate fully or not, as they see fit, in the political process during campaigns by candidates for public offices during their own time.  They may not engage in political activities during normal working hours.
2. No member of the Piedmont University campus community may speak or act in the name of the University in a political campaign or demonstration.
3. The following may not be used under any circumstances for political campaign purposes:
   1. Piedmont University’s bulk mailing privileges.
   2. University mailing lists – including addresses and email addresses of departmental offices.
   3. University provided office supplies, telephones, facsimile machines, copiers, computers, accounts, etc.
   4. Piedmont University’s sales tax exemption for purchase of goods or services.
   5. Piedmont University logos, letterhead, seal, symbols, or other identifiable marks of institutional affiliation.
4. Piedmont University employees who volunteer for or advise campaigns or candidates on policy or strategic issues may do so only their own times and must be explicit in communications that they do not represent the University in this regard. In addition, employees should only use personal email, social media, or other online accounts at all times for the distribution of campaign messages, petitions, and similar materials.
5. Individuals may not hold public office at the federal, state, or local level while employed at Piedmont University without the express written consent of the President of Piedmont University.
6. Certain nonpartisan political activities (such as properly organized voter registration activities, voter education programs, and candidate debates) may be permissible if they do not evidence a preference for or opposition to a political party or to candidates who have taken a particular position.