Guidelines for candidates and other political speakers

The State of Missouri Charter that established Washington University requires that the university be politically neutral. The university is committed to the expression of a wide diversity of ideas and opinions and to discussion of those ideas and opinions. Consistent with these principles, the university encourages university organizations to sponsor speakers of varying ideas and opinions, subject to the university's obligations to maintain political neutrality and comply with applicable law.

Washington University also enjoys tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is thus prohibited from participating or intervening, directly or indirectly, in any political campaign. Federal Election Commission regulations also place limitations on political activity at educational institutions.

It is important for all members of the university community to keep in mind certain standards applicable to appearances on campus by candidates, representatives of candidates, and other representatives of political parties or political action committees. University organizations hosting or sponsoring such events must comply with, and advise speakers and staff of, these guidelines:

• The university may not advocate the election or defeat of a particular candidate or political party or promote or encourage such advocacy by members of the audience. No person or group may use Washington University's name, letterhead or seal in such a manner or to solicit funds for or otherwise support or oppose any such campaign or cause. For example, any student group engaged in partisan activity must make it clear that its members speak as individuals and not for the university.

• The university's mailing lists, communications infrastructure, photocopying and other services or funds may not be used in support of any candidate, campaign, political party, or political action committee.

• Admission to appearances must be open to the university community and, if the sponsoring organization chooses, the general public, without regard to the attendees' party affiliation or support of any particular candidate. Admission may not be controlled by speakers, campaign staff, or any other person or organization not affiliated with the university.

• The speaker's appearance must constitute a speech, question and answer session, or similar communication in an academic setting, and must not be conducted as a campaign rally or event.

• Certain facilities, including Graham Chapel, have specific requirements for use of the facilities. Sponsoring groups and speakers must comply with these requirements and should consult Bearings and the facilities managers for details.

• No one may collect campaign or other political contributions from members of the audience. Neither the university nor university organizations may solicit, direct or control the making of such contributions.

• The university may allow representatives of the news media to be present during a speaker's appearance, but only if access is permitted in a politically neutral manner. Media coverage may not be directed or controlled by speakers, campaign staff, or any other person or organization not affiliated with the university. Sponsoring groups anticipating or seeking media coverage are responsible for contacting the Office of Public Affairs at (314) 935-5230 in advance of any appearance.