Use of University Facilities for Political Activities
Revised August 2008

Introduction

Northwestern University’s status as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code prohibits it from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.

Notwithstanding these limitations, Northwestern University recognizes that students, faculty, and staff may wish to participate in the political process and that such participation may, in fact, contain an educational component.  Northwestern adheres to the principle enunciated by the American Council on Education (ACE) in 1970 that “every member of the academic community has a right to participate or not, as he [or she] sees fit, in the election process.  On the other hand, no member of that community should speak or act in the name of the institution in a political campaign.” 

The following statement of policy and the accompanying guidelines regarding the use of University facilities for political activities, as amended, are being reissued to provide guidance in adhering to these fundamental principles.

Political Policy

It is the policy of Northwestern University not to participate in, directly or indirectly, or to intervene in (including by means of the publishing or distributing of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

Recognized student organizations may reserve University facilities, including lecture halls, outdoor reservable space, and any other space available to all recognized student groups, to conduct organizational meetings or to host, sponsor and/or publicize an event on behalf of a candidate.  However, no organization or individual may:

1.         Use the name or seal of the University or any of its schools or other units on letters or other written materials intended for support of a political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office, including the solicitation of funds for such purpose or activities.  This includes a prohibition on use of University letterhead, envelopes, email accounts, telephone lines and voicemail systems for communication.

2.         Use University facilities (for purposes of this policy, individual student rooms in University housing facilities are not considered to be “University facilities”) to raise funds through admissions, fees, contributions, donations, or sale of materials or services to benefit a political party, campaign, or candidate.

3.         Use University funds (including student fees) to purchase promotional material, pay for campaign ads or contribute in any way to a political campaign. 

4.         Use University funds (including student fees) to pay honoraria or cover transportation, A/V services, accommodation or meal expenses, for candidates for public office.

5.         Use University resources, including but not limited to, mail distribution services, the University seal or other identifying marks, stationery and letterhead, facsimile and duplicating machines, email accounts, telephone lines, and voicemail systems for political campaigns or solicitation of endorsement of, or opposition to, candidates for public office.

Guidelines for Use of Facilities for Political Forums or Debates

The Internal Revenue Code permits tax-exempt organizations to sponsor political forums, candidate speeches and/or debates provided no candidate either directly or indirectly receives an endorsement, preference, or support from the University.  Where recognized University organizations sponsor and/or University facilities are used to hold political forums, speeches by candidate(s) or debates, the following guidelines apply:

1.         The agenda for the forum or debate should address a wide range of issues and be of significant interest to members of the University community.

2.         A non-partisan individual should serve as moderator and ensure that all ground rules are followed.

3.         The moderator should state, at the beginning and conclusion of the program, that the views expressed by the participants are their own and not those of the university, and that sponsorship of the forum is not intended as an endorsement of any particular candidate.

4.         Participants should be allotted equal time in which to present their views and ideas.  Selection criteria for participation must be non-partisan.

5.         While all forums should be of a non-biased educational nature, when a primary election serves as the basis for the forum or debate, intra-party debates are permissible.  However, where a general election serves as the basis for the forum or debate, sponsorship of an intra-party debate may give the appearance of party favoritism, thereby making such an activity inappropriate.

6.         Regarding intra-party debates for a primary election, all candidates for nomination by the party being represented at the forum should be allowed to participate.  In such debates, however, sponsors are not required to involve candidates not belonging to the represented party.

7.         Where a general election is the underlying contest for a forum or debate, a non-partisan candidate debate is permissible provided that at least two candidates participate, and the forum or debate does not promote or advance one candidate over another.  Criteria for determining participation must, likewise, be non-partisan.

8.         Political forums or debates need not include every group or party, or individual seeking election.  For example, forums or debates limited to mainstream parties are permissible.

9.         At the beginning of each political forum, candidate speech or debate, a representative of the sponsoring group or organization should deliver the following disclaimer: “This event is sponsored by _____________.  The use of Northwestern University facilities for this event does not constitute an endorsement by the University.  Northwestern University does not endorse or oppose any candidate or organization in connection with this or any other political campaign or election.”