Policy provides guidance on University resources and political activity

Wake Forest has a long history of being acknowledged for its role in promoting civic engagement. For example, Deacs Decide, a collaborative program run by the Office of Civic and Community Engagement, builds engagement and understanding around the political process. With this fall’s election approaching, there will be many opportunities to promote civic preparedness among our students, faculty, staff, and the larger community.

However, it’s important to remember that there are some ways in which the University should not engage in the election process. Specifically, the Internal Revenue Service has made clear that non-profit organizations are prohibited from engaging in campaign-related activities that support or show favor to a specific party or candidate. The consequences of doing so can be significant and include loss of tax-exempt status.  

The Policy on Campaign and Political Activity was developed this summer to provide guidance related to these restrictions. This policy in no way precludes the ability of individuals in our community to exercise their rights as private citizens to engage in the political process. Instead, it clarifies that University resources generally should not be used to encourage or discourage support for any particular candidate or partisan issue. 

For example, if a political candidate asks to use University facilities for a campaign-related event, our decision should be made politically neutrally, with the understanding that the candidate must cover all costs. Or, when members of our community speak to issues related to the election, they should make clear that they are speaking on their behalf and not on behalf of the institution. 

Questions commonly arise about how the IRS restrictions impact student engagement in campaign activity. This document produced by the American Council on Education provides general guidance for many frequently asked questions. Questions about the policy also can be addressed to Marianne Magjuka and Julia Jackson-Newsom.