What are the restrictions on political activity by University employees?

System and Institution employees are encouraged to fully and freely exercise their constitutional right to vote and to express their opinions regarding political candidates and issues. However, employees may not exercise these rights in a manner that suggests System or Institution endorsement of a cause or candidate. State law and Regents Rule 05.701.5 prohibit System and Institution employees from engaging in any political activity while on state time or utilizing state resources for any political activity. Employees also are prohibited from using official authority or influence or permitting the use of a program administered by the System, the System Administration, or an Institution to interfere with or affect the result of an election or nomination of a candidate or to achieve any other political purpose. It is also important to remember any communication with state or federal elected officials on behalf of an Institution or the System must first be coordinated through the Office of Government Relations. Click here to contact the Office of Government Relations.

For state law restrictions on political activities by state employees see Chapter 556 of the Texas Government Code. For more information on political campaign-related activities please see American Council on Education’s Political Campaign-Related Activities of and at Colleges and Universities (November 2007).

For guidance on whether a specific political activity is permitted, please contact the Office of General Counsel.

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