Guidelines for Political Activities
Although Brown University encourages and supports the free exchange of ideas and political viewpoints, as a non-profit, private institution of higher education whose activities are regulated in part by Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the University is prohibited from engaging in partisan political activity or permitting its resources to be used for support of such activities.
The following rules govern the use of University facilities for partisan politically-related activity on campus.
Students, Faculty, and Staff
Administrative officers, faculty, students and staff of the University are free to express their individual and collective political views provided they understand and make clear they are not speaking for or in the name of Brown University.
Neither the University name nor that of any University entity, supported in part or whole by the University funds, nor University insignia may appear on stationery or any other material used or intended for political purposes.
Candidates and Campaigning
An appearance of a candidate for public office on campus must be for an educational or informational talk to the University community and must be sponsored by a recognized University organization. Student organizations must secure approval for such appearances from the Office of Student Activities at least two weeks in advance. Room reservations must, in turn, be granted by the Offices of Student Activities, University Events, and/or the Registrar, depending on the room or space approval required.
Candidate campaigning (solicitation), including transmission of campaign materials over the Internet, leaflet distribution, and display of posters, is not allowed anywhere on University property without University permission
Use of University Facilities and Resource
University facilities and services may not be used by or on behalf of an outside organization or outside individual whose purpose is to further the cause of a candidate or political party.
Campus organizations and departments may use campus communications to announce political forums and discussions sponsored by officially constituted campus groups, but may not use campus communications -- including those provided by Brown's postal service, phone system, or its computer network -- for partisan political activity.
All on-campus political activities, including services and materials, must be paid for with non-University funds.
All use of University properties are subject to University policies regarding time, place, and manner.
Fund-Raising
Funds or contributions for political candidates or campaigns may not under any circumstances be solicited in the name of Brown University or on Brown's campus, and University resources may not be used in soliciting such funds. If Brown students, faculty, or staff make political contributions, they must do so as individuals and not on behalf of Brown.
For more information, please contact the Office of Community and Government Relations, 863-2552, or the Office of Student Life, 863-3145.