CUSP Guide to working with Political Issues[1]

The following guide was compiled by members of the Washington State Council of Unions and Student Programs.  It is not intended to be legal advice nor is it a blanket policy statement for the state system.  The guideline below should be considered along side the advice of institutional legal counsel when formulating college policies and procedures. 

Please use this guide in conjunction with:

Fischer, W.H., Coats, R., Kruger, M. (2001).  Student political issues, WA Attorney General.

YES:

1. Political student groups can be recognized the same as any other student groups.  The political nature of their activities or content of their speech is irrelevant.

2. S&A funds can be provided to political student groups on the same basis such funds are provided to any other student group.

3. S&A funds may be used for political activities and expenses, but the college is obligated to provide opportunities for a spectrum of political ideas.[2] 

4. Political student groups may use campus facilities the same as any other student groups, even if the use is political in nature.

5. The college can establish reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on the use of its facilities.[3]   Therefore, if political use is dominating the facility and impacting the use by others, such use may be limited.

6. Student groups may lobby through proper legislative channels including (a) contacting a legislator; (b) attending a legislative hearing; (c) lobbying legislators on campus.  Groups should consult with the Student Programs Office so any lobbying activity may be included in the institution’s quarterly public closure commission report.

7. Student groups may communicate with any state official on matters related to the college.  Any such communication must be included in the institution’s quarterly report.   

8. Political student groups and off-campus political groups may post, vend, and distribute in the same manner as non-political groups, per college WACs and practices regarding reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on the use of its facilities.  Application of such policies must be content-neutral and uniform.   

NO:

1. S&A funds cannot provide for, or be used as seed money to fundraise for, gifts (including entertainment) or contributions for political campaign or to be given to any state official. 

2. Student groups may not share office space or materials with off campus political groups.

3. Political student groups may not use college letterhead.

4. College provision of time, supplies, equipment, or facilities (employees, stationary, etc) cannot be used to assist or oppose a political campaign or ballot proposition.

5. Student groups may not use public funds to participate in or organize grassroots or indirect lobbying to public government officials including, but not limited to: mailing or calling campaigns, organizing rallies, mobilizing non-state employees, rallying public support, and creating citizen action groups.

last modified June 2005