Political Activities Procedure - 63.09.10

College Policy Number/Title:

• 63.09     Ethics and Conduct

The Howard Community College (HCC) administration has an obligation to inform employees and students about local, state, and federal issues that impact the college. This must be conducted in a fair, open, non-partisan manner, offering diverse views. Employees and students are encouraged to participate in forums and read material about candidates and issues. All employees are encouraged to register to vote and to encourage students to register to vote.

With the exception of the president’s team, employees and students may become actively involved in the political process as candidates or supporters of candidates.

Employees must be careful to maintain their professionalism and honor their primary obligation to the college. Therefore:

• • No employee will engage in political activity that advocates a political position (i.e., fundraising, distributing, copying or printing campaign materials, soliciting political support, etc.) while on the job during working hours, perform services for political candidates using the resources of the college (e.g., copying materials, borrowing or lending technology, using college email or social media accounts, etc.), or be obligated to contribute to an election campaign, political party or political club, or to render political service.
  • No employee may use any HCC property or symbol (e.g., logo, signage, mascot image, college name badge, etc.) in any political campaign materials or activities.
  • No employee may solicit funds for political purposes on campus.
  • No employee may direct other employees to participate in political activities, when in the role of a supervisor
  • No retribution can be taken against any employee or student who does not accept an invitation to a political event, contribute money to a candidate, support or oppose a particular candidate, or render political service.
  • Members of the president’s team may not make financial donations to any political campaign.

Effective Date: 06/30/22

President's Office Use: PRES/CHRO