Election year reminder about Marquette’s nonprofit, nonpartisan status

Election year reminder about Marquette's nonprofit, nonpartisan status

As an institution of higher education, Marquette University wants its community members to be active participants in the political process. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, Marquette is obligated to remain nonpartisan and cannot endorse any candidate for public office, political party, referendum or ballot initiative. Further, maintaining the university's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status ensures the university and its students continue to be eligible to receive federal and state grants and sources of financial aid. This is especially important during an election year - please be mindful about using university space, resources and technology, and ensure proper policies are followed when planning events.

Please be aware of and adhere to the following expectations and processes.

Please contact the Office of General Counsel if there are any questions.

Support for the democratic process

Marquette is committed to fostering a culture that values diverse viewpoints and civil dialogue. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, the university supports voter education activities conducted in a nonpartisan manner and efforts that encourage people to participate in the electoral process. Marquette coordinates initiatives that help guide our campus community's involvement to foster student voting participation and civic learning. Please visit the Marquette voter information website for further information. The university has previously hosted debates and has had elected officials on campus as part of events.

During an election year, procedures are different for officials up for reelection. Contact the Office of University Relations if interested in vetting the potential involvement of elected officials or with any additional questions.

Voting on campus

Marquette proudly serves as a polling location and thus adheres to guidelines set by the Wisconsin Elections Commission. No campaign materials or displays are allowed inside the AMU or in the surrounding area.

Information regarding election dates, polling locations and how to register is shared leading up to elections in Marquette Today. More information is available at marquette.edu/vote, including a calendar of upcoming elections.

Political campaign efforts limited on campus

The university does not endorse any candidate for public office, political party or referendum matters. University resources cannot be used for political campaign activity or fundraising. This includes:

• Campus spaces
• Technical infrastructure, such as Microsoft Teams and other programs
• Marquette email addresses

Posters and flyers promoting political campaigns are not permitted in offices and buildings, and no political signs should be displayed on campus property. Students may have signs inside their rooms within residence halls, as that is considered personal space.

Promotion of nonpartisan get-out-the-vote campaigns is permitted.

Professional vs. personal: Be clear about representation

For faculty and staff, it is important to be clear when you are speaking in your individual capacity versus in your official university role. When speaking in your capacity as a university representative, you should avoid partisan political statements or commentary. This is particularly important amid the current climate in which anything can be taken out of context and spread quickly on social media.

As reinforced in the mission-based freedom of expression statement, Marquette genuinely "needs community members to explore, discuss, and vigorously debate ideas, both in and out of the classroom." One limitation is expression that violates the university's policy on the acceptable use of university electronic resources, such as using any component of the university's IT system for "political or lobbying activities not approved by the university's Office of University Relations." Of course, expression that is not even protected by the First Amendment - including defamation, fighting words, true threats, incitement of imminent unlawful conduct, obscenity and speech that facilitates a crime - may also be restricted by the university.

Political events held by student organizations

Student organizations are allowed to bring in elected officials and other political operatives if they follow the processes and guidelines set by the university. This includes a displayed and verbalized disclaimer that clarifies the university does not sponsor the event or endorse the viewpoints shared during it.

Details are available in the Student Organization Handbook.

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