Page 24 - Programming Guide

*All campus guidelines apply, with the requirement that student led clubs can interact with students through online events. *
1-C: CAMPUS DISCOURSE GUIDELINES
Title: Political Discourse Guidelines
Responsible staff: Steve Ivester, Dean of Student Engagement Responsible office: Student Engagement
Political Involvement and Campaign Activity:
Students and student groups must be free to engage in personal expression of political views, activity, expression, and association on campus. Students and student groups may support candidates for office or in furtherance of political causes. There is no restriction on discussion of political issues or teaching of politics or campaign-related topics.
While students and student groups are free to express political opinions and engage in political activities, it is important that they do so only in their individual capacities and avoid even the appearance that they are speaking or acting for the college in political matters. Wheaton stresses certain regulations on politically focused events because Wheaton is a non-profit charitable institution of higher education. As an institution of this nature, Wheaton is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which states that Wheaton is prohibited from "participating in, or intervening in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office."
This policy statement addresses campaigns for political office and provides specific guidelines on activities related to campaigns. It also addresses how individuals can avoid having their personal opinions appear to be those of the college as an entity. The following statements provide the foundation for these guidelines:
• Individuals taking political positions for themselves or groups with which they are associated, but not as representatives of the college, should clearly indicate, by words and actions, that their positions are not those of the college and are not being taken in an official capacity on behalf of the college.
• During the three months leading up to an election for public office, auditoriums or other facilities may be used by the college, or groups affiliated with the college, for public forums provided that at least the rival major party candidates in a general election, or two of the leading candidates for the nomination of a particular party, are invited and given equal access and opportunity to speak.
• The college is legally prohibited from endorsing candidates for political office or making any contribution of money, goods, or services to candidates; therefore it is important that no person intentionally or unintentionally cause the college to make such an endorsement or contribution.
The following statements provide more specific guidelines:
What are student groups permitted to do?
• Hold rallies and debates on campus
• Invite an elected official to speak to a meeting of the group. Groups may invite candidates for
office, but in the three months leading up to an election this can only be done in the context of
joint invitations as noted above
• Distribute campaign literature/paraphernalia in the Todd M. Beamer Student Center
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