Social Media Election Season Guidelines

First Amendment: Protects freedom of speech and the press, and the right to peaceably assemble and petition the government.

California Constitution: Guarantees the right to freely speak, write, and publish sentiments on all subjects, with responsibility for any abuse of this right.

Private Universities: While not bound by the First Amendment as public universities are, private institutions like USD, particularly those receiving federal funding, must adhere to federal anti-discrimination laws (e.g., Title IX).

Non-Partisan Engagement:

• USD, as a tax-exempt organization, must not engage in political campaigns or endorse candidates.
• Voter education activities and registration drives are permitted if conducted in a non-partisan manner.

Use of University Resources:

• USD resources, including facilities, logos, letterheads, social media accounts and email systems, cannot be used for political campaigning.
• No funds from USD may be used to support or oppose political candidates or campaigns.

Employee Participation:

• Employees can participate in political activities in their personal capacities, clearly indicating their participation and views do not represent USD.
• Political activities should be conducted outside of normal work hours and without using USD resources.
• Personal social media and email accounts, and stationery should be used for political communications.

Fundraising Restrictions:

• USD facilities and resources cannot be used to solicit funds or donations for political candidates.
• Fundraising in USD's name for political purposes is prohibited.
  
  

Protected Speech: Includes the right to express opinions and beliefs, subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.

Unprotected Speech: Includes advocacy for illegal actions, true threats, fighting words, and severe or pervasive harassment.

Hostile Environment: Speech that creates a discriminatory, hostile environment based on race, sex, or other protected characteristics is prohibited under Title VI and Title IX.

University’s Role in Political Campaigns: USD must remain neutral and cannot engage in or endorse political campaigns.

Voter Education and Registration: Permitted as long as conducted in a non-partisan manner.

Use of University Resources: Not allowed for political campaigns. Includes prohibitions on using university letterhead, social media and email accounts, and facilities for political purposes.

Employee Political Participation: Allowed in personal capacity, outside work hours, and without using university resources.

Fundraising Activities: University resources cannot be used for political fundraising.

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For more detailed information, visit USD Legal Resources on Political Campaigns.

As an educational institution committed to the Catholic intellectual tradition, USD recognizes the fundamental role of free inquiry, academic freedom and freedom of expression. It is the expectation of the university that student organizations who host events or invite guest speakers “engage in those issues and perspectives in a manner consistent with the mission and core values of the university,” per policy. Guest speakers help members of the university community make informed and responsible decisions in the political, social, professional and personal aspects of their lives.

Hosting of a guest speaker balances the university’s commitment to free expression with the need to protect the safety and security of our community. It must also take into account the time of such activities, venue and manner in which the information is presented. Speakers who threaten the physical safety of members of the community will not be permitted on campus.

At the beginning of the event and in any written advertisements for the event, the student organization must communicate that the event is sponsored by the student organization, that the speakers are presenting in their personal capacities and not on behalf of the University, and that the University does not endorse or oppose any candidate.

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By adhering to these guidelines, USD aims to foster an environment that respects free speech while maintaining a clear boundary between personal political activities and university operations.