Legal and Ethical Guidance: Political Activities and Equal Access
As CUNY employees, we are required to follow state law and CUNY policy regarding political activities. While we are all permitted to take an active part in political campaigns and the election process, as state employees, we are prohibited from engaging in political activities while on the job or using state resources for political or partisan purposes. As a general rule, it is best to create a boundary between our political activities and our work. There are also specific rules related to the use of resources, hiring, and access to candidates that you should be aware of.
Use of John Jay & CUNY Resources
Specifically, as John Jay employees, we cannot at any time:
- solicit or collect political contributions or circulate a candidate's nominating petition within the office;
- use a College-issued computer (laptop, iPad or desktop) during or after work to produce a brochure or send email in support of or in opposition to a candidate's campaign or to invite friends to campaign events;
- use College internet connections to forward e-mail messages received from a partisan campaign or from someone supporting a partisan candidate or ballot initiative.
Employment
We are not permitted to seek information from prospective or active employees regarding their political party affiliations, political contributions or their voting records.
Access to Candidates
The College provides equal access to all political candidates for public office. Political candidates may be invited to present their platforms or to speak on matters of public concern. However, similar opportunities must be provided for the candidate’s opponents. This ensures that all candidates have equal opportunities to discuss issues of public concern.
College facilities may be rented for political purposes, and the political organization or the candidate will be charged the standard rental rate and other event-related fees.
Outside the campaign context, it is the policy of the college to encourage public officials in their official capacity to participate at events, interact with our students and to discuss issues of public interest with the college community.
Marjorie Singer, Executive Counsel
Donald Gray, Ethics Officer
September 12, 2018