Campus Political Activity

Updated May 15, 2024

With another election season fast approaching, we’re providing a reminder of our rights as citizens to participate in the political process and our obligations as state employees.
Texas law recognizes that state employees have the rights of freedom of association and political participation guaranteed by the federal and state constitutions, except as restricted by law. The general restrictions on political activities for state agencies and employees are found in the Government Code and further delineated by UT System Regents Rules and Regulations. Our basic rights and restrictions as state employees are as follows:

Use of State Resources

UTA employees:

• May not use UTA letterhead, computer hardware or software (including email), copiers, faxes, telephones, or other resources or services to support or urge a vote for or against a candidate or proposition (even minimal or incidental use is prohibited);
• May not engage in activities supporting or opposing a candidate or proposition during paid work time. This also includes placing campaign posters in offices or wearing campaign buttons during worktime or in the workplace;
• May not use public funds to make political contributions to a candidate or political committee or coerce employees or other persons to make or not make political contributions; and
• May not use official authority or employment position to interfere with or affect an election or proposition.

However, it is permissible for an officer or employee to:

• Support or oppose a candidate on the officer's or employee's own time, as long as it is clear that the officer or employee is speaking in a private capacity and not speaking on behalf of UTA; and
• Use personal funds to make a political contribution to a candidate or political committee.

Candidates on Campus

The most common way for a candidate to appear on campus is through the invitation of a registered student organization, although faculty or staff organizations and student government may also present off-campus speakers. All building reservation and speaker registration requirements must be followed. Under UTA policy, the registered organization:

• Must retain control over the event and may not be a "front" for an off-campus person or organization;
• May not co-sponsor the event with an off-campus person or organization; and
• Must make it clear that the organization, and not UTA, invited the speaker and that the views expressed do not represent the views of UTA.

Registered students, faculty, or staff organizations that receive state funds from any source may not request others to vote for or against a candidate (Rule 80103, Section 2.23).
Individual employees may not invite candidates to speak on campus during the election cycle. Faculty who would like a candidate to speak to participants in their academic course should contact the Office of the Provost and Office of Governmental Relations.

Candidate Photographs or Filming on Campus

It is important to remember that you may not allow photography or filming for a political advertisement to occur on campus. If you are not sure about the intended use of the photograph or film, you should ask for clarification from the candidate or officeholder.
Occasionally a candidate or officeholder who is authorized to appear on or visit a campus will bring along a person to photograph or film the event. If this occurs please contact the Office of Communications to ensure proper processes are followed.

Use of UTA Name and Trademarks

The use of The University of Texas at Arlington name and derivatives (UT Arlington, UTA) and UTA logos in a political advertisement, whether filmed or printed; for another political purpose such as an invitation to a political fundraiser or political event or an event conducted by or on behalf of an officeholder; or for any other political purpose is not permitted.

Social Media

The University of Texas at Arlington employees are free to share their political views, opinions, or candidate preferences through their own, personal social media during non-work hours. However, it is important to keep in mind that views shared on personal channels can still impact the perception of the University. As such, employees should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make it plain that the employee’s views do not represent the views of the University.

Conclusion

We encourage all employees to be civic-minded, to educate themselves on political issues, and to participate in the political process. However, we must be mindful of our obligations and responsibilities as state employees and conform our participation accordingly.
We encourage you to contact the Office of Governmental Relations (jeter@uta.edu) or the Office of Legal Affairs (sboseman@uta.edu) if you have any questions regarding participation in the political process.