With a number of election issues in the public spotlight, including the possibility of an affirmative action ballot initiative in Michigan, many members of the campus community have asked about their ability to take a public stand on political issues that are important to the University.

The offices of the Provost, the Vice President and General Counsel, and the Vice President for Government Relations have issued guidelines as to what is permissible involvement for public employees, and what activities are legally restricted.

“Section 57 of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act prohibits public bodies and anyone acting for a public body from using state resources to influence a political campaign,” says a memo from the three offices, sent to campus leaders. The campaign can be for an individual running for office or can involve the qualification, defeat or passage of a ballot proposal.

“However, the law does not in any way restrict the ability of individuals, acting on their own behalf and using their personal time and resources, to participate fully in political activities,” the memo says.

Examples of the kinds of activities in which faculty, students and staff may engage include:

• Conduct scholarly research on the effects of a campaign proposal on the University, on the state, on the economy, etc.

• Compile and assemble data and other factual information on the effects of a campaign proposal

• Disseminate factual material and/or the results of scholarly research to news organizations and academic journals

• Post factual material and/or the results of research to a University Web site

• Plan conferences, forums, symposia or panel discussions, or invite guest speakers to campus to discuss campaign-related issues.

Faculty, students and staff may engage in the following activities as individuals on their own time, provided they do not use University resources and do not say or imply they are acting on behalf of U-M:

• Donate money to a ballot initiative or political campaign

• Act as a campaign volunteer

• Organize or attend rallies in support of or opposition to a political campaign or ballot proposal

• Write letters to the editor or op-ed pieces for publication

• Give speeches and participate in debates

• Write to elected officials to express your opinion.

Activities not permitted under Michigan law include:

• Sending out a mass campaign mailing using University stationery and postage

• Using a University copy machine to copy flyers on a campaign proposal

• Conducting a political campaign from a University office

• Carrying on a political campaign in the name of the University.

Further information, including frequently asked questions and answers, has been posted at http://www.umich.edu/~urel/guidelines/. Additional questions may be directed to Sally Churchill in the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel at (734) 764-0304 or sjc@umich.edu.