Political Activity Notice
Political activity guidelines for public employees
As an OHSU employee, you are a public employee.
Oregon law provides that public employees, while on the job during working hours:
- May not solicit any money, influence, service or thing of value.
- May not promote of oppose any political committee.
- May not promote or oppose the nomination or election of a candidate, the gathering or signatures on an initiative, referendum or recall petition, the adoption of a measure of the recall of a public office holder.
The law also prohibits personal use of university resources at any time for political activities.
You must also ensure that personal views, opinions and actions are not seen as representing OHSU or committing OHSU to a a position on public issues. OHSU policies prohibit using university titles and affiliations, OHSU letterhead, facilities or other resources to advocate a personal or political position.
For more details about legally permissible political activities for public employees, refer to political activity guidelines for OHSU employees. For more details about OHSU policies regarding academic freedom and political activities, see chapter 03-30-001 of the OHSU Policy Manual.
State guidelines for public employee involvement in political campaigns
Attorney generals opinion on lobbying
Read the Oregon attorney general's opinion here.
Working with the legislature
The Oregon Department of Administrative Services provides resources and suggestions for working with the state legislature.