Student Organization Handbook
Partisan Political Activity
As a public institution of higher learning, the University
of Washington is committed to ensuring that diverse ideas and points of view
are freely expressed and discussed on the campus. However, there are certain
state mandated limitations on the use of facilities and funds for partisan political
activities. This summary of those limitations is designed to assist students
and others who may wish to use the campus for such purposes.
Use of Facilities
- First priority for the use of campus facilities shall be given to regularly
scheduled University activities.
- UW facilities may be used for political purposes such as events and forums regarding ballot propositions
and/or candidates who have filed for public office only when the full rental cost of the facility
is paid. However, use of state funds for payment of facility rental costs is prohibited.
- Forums or debates may be scheduled at full facility rental rates if all parties to a ballot proposition
election, or all candidates who have filed for office for a given position, regardless of party affiliation,
are given equal access to the use of facilities within a reasonable time.
- No person shall solicit contributions on University property for political uses, except in instances
where this limitation conflicts with applicable federal law regarding interference with the mails.
- Public areas outside of University buildings may be used for political purposes such as events
and forums regarding ballot propositions and/or candidates who have filed for public office, excluding
solicitation of funds, provided the other normal business of the University is not disrupted and
entrances to and exits from buildings are not blocked.
- University facilities or services may not be used to establish or maintain
offices or headquarters for political candidates or partisan political causes.
- The ASUW and GPSS may invite candidates for political offices to speak on
campus so long as there is an effort to present a range of political views
over a reasonable period of time and full rental cost of the facility is paid.
- The Literature Distribution Tables in the Husky Union Building (HUB) may
not be used to advocate on behalf of partisan political candidates or issues.
Prohibition on University Endorsement of Candidates or Issues
The University will not intervene or participate in any campaign
by endorsing or opposing a candidate or issue. Individual members of the campus
community are free to participate, as they see fit, and to use University facilities
as limited by University regulations and policies. No unauthorized individual
may speak or act in the name of the University.
Prohibition on Use of State Funds
The use of public funds for directly or indirectly making any
contribution or expenditure of anything of value in connection with a local,
state or federal election is prohibited. Any contribution to a political candidate
or political endorsement is included in the prohibition.
Modified: September 12, 2008
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