WSU Tri-Cities Civic Engagement Guide

Civic Engagement Resources, Programs, and Guidelines for Students and Employees

With the election season underway, the WSU Ethics Advisor reminds employees that state laws and University policy contain strict guidelines on campaigning and lobbying.

As private citizens, WSU employees are free to lobby or support candidates, issues, and campaigns on their own time, with their own resources, and while making it clear that they are not speaking on behalf of WSU. Please review Executive Policy 45, the Ethics in Public Service Act – Use of Public Resources for Political Campaigns and Freedom of Speech at WSU for more information, and contact the WSU Ethics Advisor at ethics@wsu.edu with any questions or concerns.

Group of students wearing shirts that say "Cougs Vote".

Laws & Guidelines for Civic Engagement

WSU Tri-Cities encourages civic engagement and is sharing the information below to help our campus community participate thoughtfully and effectively.

While the University encourages civic engagement, the institution, its employees, and students must comply with federal and state laws, including those that prohibit engaging in political activity while at work.

Fair Campaign Practices Act

The Fair Campaign Practices Act (aka Campaign Disclosure and Contribution) generally prohibits public entities, including institutions of higher education, from expending any public resources from any source for contributions to a campaign for elected office, or to urge electors to vote in favor or against any ballot issue or referred measure.

Employees acting on their own time and not using WSU Tri-Cities resources do not face any legal restrictions, but best practice is to make clear the views and activity are their own.

In Washington, state employees are subject to certain restrictions regarding political activities while at work which are intended to ensure that state resources are not used for political purposes and to maintain a nonpartisan public service. The key law governing this issue is RCW 42.52.180 which outlines prohibited activities such as:

  • participating in campaign activity while at work; and
  • the use of state resources, tools or equipment for political advocacy. 

Campaign activity must take place on personal time.

Employees engaging in any campaign activity, lobbying or advocacy should do so outside of work hours or take personal leave. These activities include urging voters to cast ballots for or against any candidate for public office, or ballot issues initiatives. Faculty members who do not have personal leave may engage in such activity outside of work and on their own time, so long as it does not interfere with the fulfillment of the professional obligations and expectations of their faculty position. Employees may not use any University resources for political campaigning including:

  • Office supplies or equipment – including computers, telephones, printers or facsimile machines – to create materials urging voters to support or oppose a political candidate or issue.
  • University e-mail accounts to urge citizens to vote for or against a political candidate or campaign issue, or to forward materials that urge electors to vote for or against a campaign issue. 
  • University social media accounts or websites, including departmental and programmatic accounts and sites, to advocate publicly for political issues. These include any properties with the University name and/or logo.
  • WSU Tri-Cities does not endorse any personal opinion, product, private business cause or political candidate. Representation of personal opinions as being endorsed by the University or any of its organizations is prohibited by University policy. 

Best Practices for Responsible Civic Engagement

In effort to support faculty, staff and students in civic engagement and democratic efforts we’re providing these tips for fruitful advocacy and engagement.

Students

WSU Tri-Cities is committed to academic freedom and the open exchange of ideas, and it is important for students to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to free speech on campus. The Student Speech Guide offers essential tools and guidelines for organizing events, understanding campus policies, and participating in activism to help students engage safely and effectively. Review the full guide for tips and always prioritize safety and respect, including:

  • Secure Necessary Approvals: Always seek permission from the university when planning events, especially for large gatherings or demonstrations.
  • Communicate Clearly: Inform participants and university officials about the purpose, time, and location of your event.
  • Prioritize Safety: Have a plan in place for managing crowds and ensure your activities don’t interfere with classes or campus services.

Employees

Employees should disclose that any political activity and opinions are their own and expressed on personal time.

Employees sharing opinions on personal social media properties or other platforms should clarify their opinions are not on behalf of the University and include this disclaimer whenever possible. “Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer.”

A disclaimer should be made on any printed materials and/or at events that the University does not endorse the candidate, and that any opposing candidate or advocacy group will be offered a similar opportunity to speak.

Visit the Employee section of the WSU Freedom of Speech website for more employee speech guidelines.

Classroom Management

To maintain the continuity of our academic mission it’s important to maintain a productive learning environment.

Engagement over potentially “hot button” topics should be discussed within the framework of the course topic and/or discipline.

The most effective role a faculty member can take is one of “facilitator.” Be sure to emphasize respectful dialogue and rules of engagement.

Repeat, outline, and summarize what is being stated so conversations can be directed towards words, not perceptions or personalities.

Do not discuss personal opinions of students’ comments or perspectives, especially in public settings. This could be seen as a breach of trust and might effectively “shut down” continued productive conversation and dialogue.

Visit the Faculty section of the WSU Freedom of Speech website for more faculty speech guidelines.

Freedom of Expression

WSU Tri-Cities is committed to the search for and dissemination of knowledge through open inquiry. We are committed to fostering an environment that encourages the free exchange of ideas, robust debate, intellectual exploration, and promoting the rights afforded by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and Article I, Section 5 of the Washington State Constitution. WSU supports and promotes each individual’s right to express their views and opinions for or against actions or ideas in which the individual has an interest, to associate freely with others, and to assembly peacefully, regardless of the degree of acceptability among others of the views or opinions advocated.

WSU Tri-Cities freedom of speech and expression is essential to who we are. We aspire to be an affirming community that encourages respect and learning where we can engage with diverse viewpoints. Our commitment to free expression is balanced with the responsibility to respect the rights of others. While the University welcomes a broad spectrum of perspectives, including controversial ones, disruption of lawful activities or speech is not permitted. As a public institution, WSU Tri-Cities is bound by First Amendment principles and will address any substantial disruption to our mission or campus experience. Our policies and accountability measures are designed to protect these values, ensuring that free speech and peaceful assembly are maintained.  

Visit the WSU Office of the President website to read WSU’s Institutional Neutrality Statement.

Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions for Campus Gatherings

Consistent with the law, WSU may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on speech activities to ensure that speech rights are exercised in a manner that respects the rights of others, maintains the safety and order of our campus community, and keeps the university functioning. Time, place, and manner restrictions may include:

  • Designated areas for expressive activities
  • Limits on the volume of amplified speech
  • Regulations regarding the distribution of literature
  • Requirements for advance notice or reservation of space for large events
  • Registration for events to allow WSU to prepare safety and logistical plans 

WSU Tri-Cities may prohibit dangerous or overly disruptive activities that threaten campus safety or the University’s ability to carry out its mission. For example, if an assembly is overly loud, blocks passage across campus, compromises academic endeavors, significantly disrupts another’s experience or threatens the physical safety of others, then the University may require that the timing or location of the assembly change.

Specific guidelines to foster peaceful assembly

  • Refrain from violence, vandalism or other unlawful behavior that could endanger public safety or infringe upon the rights of others.
  • Avoid activity that infringes on the rights of others, such as blocking or preventing the movement or access of others.
  • Follow the instructions of a police officer or university officials, such as staying behind barricades, dispersing from an area declared an unlawful assembly and not resisting arrest. It is against the law to disobey a lawful order by a police officer, and it is a violation of university policy to disobey a direction from a university official.
  • Leave the area where others are engaging in illegal activities and acts of violence. Your presence may be interpreted as participating in a riot or illegal group action. Staying overnight in a campus building after hours is prohibited.
  • Refrain from inciting others to commit acts of violence such as pushing, kicking, or spitting on others, destruction of property, or other unlawful actions.
  • Make informed decisions. If you choose to engage in civil disobedience and get arrested, know the potential consequences. 

Related Resources, Policies, and Practices

Resources

Student Mental Health

Policies and Practices

Questions about civic engagement?