Political Activities

Stanford’s Founding Grant emphasizes that “The University must be forever maintained upon a strictly nonpartisan and nonsectarian basis. It must never become an instrument in the hands of any political party or any religious sect or organization.” Stanford is also subject to certain constraints regarding political activities due to its status as a non-profit entity. These are summarized in Administrative Guide 1.5.1 on Political, Campaign and Lobbying Activities.

According to Administrative Guide 1.5.1:

Stanford University supports the expression and discussion of ideas and opinions and encourages members of the University community to be informed and engaged citizens. At the same time, however, Stanford is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding political activities, such as campaign activities, lobbying, and the giving of gifts to public officials. This results in part because of the University’s status as a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity.

While all members of the University community may express their political opinions and engage in political activities, it is very important that they do so only in their individual capacities and avoid even the appearance that they are speaking or acting for the University in political matters. The University expressly disavows any political opinions or activities that are not made in accordance with these provisions: such opinions and activities are not authorized and may not be attributed to the University.

While the detailed application of these principles is complex, the following guidance summarizes the main takeaways.

Prohibited Activities

• No person may engage on behalf of the university in any political campaign activity in support of or opposition to any candidate, political party, or political action committee.
• No university resources may be used for any such purpose.
  • Examples of resources include university letterhead, name, seal, email (including email listservs), Slack channels, office space, telephones, computers, equipment, photocopying, or other university facilities, support, or resources.
  • Partisan signage should not be displayed inside or on the outside of offices or classrooms including office or classroom windows that are visible from the outside of buildings.

Permissible Activities

• All members of the university community may express their political opinions and engage in political activities in their individual capacities using personal resources but must avoid even the appearance that they are speaking or acting for the university in political matters.
• Individuals taking political positions for themselves or groups with which they are associated (such as a recognized student organization) should clearly state, by words (such as an express disclaimer) and actions, that their positions are not those of the university.
• Inviting candidates to speak in a non-candidate capacity is permissible if the event adheres to Office of Student Engagement (OSE)/Office of Special Events & Protocol (OSEP) Political Activities policies and is authorized in advance.
  • The speech must be a policy discussion to inform the Stanford community and not an event to advance their candidacy.
  • The policies require that the event must not be a campaign event, must maintain a nonpartisan atmosphere, and must include no signage or distribution of campaign materials, and no solicitation of votes or donations.
  • These policies also apply to virtual events.
• Areas such as White Plaza may be used by registered Stanford student organizations, departments, schools, and institutes for tables and other activities as permitted under university policies and with approval from OSE.
• A student's dormitory room and telephone service that are personal to the student may be used for personal political campaign activity in support of or opposition to any candidate, political party, or political action committee. Residents may display signage, including political signage, inside a window of their unit or on their unit’s door.
• Any activities on Stanford property must comply with local, county, state and federal guidelines and any relevant health and safety requirements, in addition to all applicable university policies.
• There is no restriction on discussion of political issues or teaching of political techniques. Academic endeavors which address public policy issues are in no way prohibited or constrained. However, political discussions in the workplace by university staff and employees should not be disruptive to effective working environments or relations with colleagues and students. Because of potentially applicable laws, any Stanford researcher considering doing research involving current or future elections or campaigns should confer with the Vice Provost and Dean of Research.

For guidance related to political activities as described above, please contact the appropriate office.

For student activity, please contact the OSE.
Email: studentengagement@stanford.edu
Phone: 650-723-2445
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00 p.m. (holidays not included)

For all other activities (such as by Stanford departments, schools, and institutes), please contact the OSEP.
Email: stanfordevents@stanford.edu
Phone: 650-724-1387
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00 p.m. (holidays not included)