Political Events Policy

Jacksonville University Guidelines for Conducting Political Activity and Hosting Political Events on Campus or at Campus Facilities

I. Purpose and Institutional Context

Jacksonville University, as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, is prohibited from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

Prohibited political intervention includes, but is not limited to, financial contributions and the publication or distribution of written or oral statements supporting or opposing candidates. There are no exceptions to this prohibition. Even insubstantial violations may result in monetary penalties and could jeopardize the University’s tax-exempt status.

The University is committed to free expression and encourages students, faculty, and staff to participate in the political process in their individual capacities, provided such activity does not involve or imply University endorsement.

This policy governs appearances on campus by political candidates, elected officials, and their representatives at all levels of government (federal, state, and local).

A. Political Event Definition and Scope

For purposes of this policy, a "political event" is any event, gathering, or activity held on University property or at University-sponsored facilities that:

(a) features the appearance, participation, or address of a declared or prospective candidate for public office, an elected official, or their official representative or campaign staff, acting in that capacity; or
(b) is organized primarily to promote, support, oppose, or influence the election or defeat of a candidate for public office, a political party, or a ballot measure; or
(c) involves voter mobilization tied to a specific candidate or party, or distribution of campaign materials.
(d) cannot invite fundraising, solicitation of political contributions,

A political event does not include:

Academic instruction, lectures, or research discussing political topics, elections, public policy, or government in the ordinary course of curriculum, where no candidate appearance or campaign purpose is involved;
Nonpartisan voter education or civic engagement activities, provided they do not favor a candidate, party, or ballot measure; or
An individual's personal political expression or advocacy conducted in their private capacity and not using University resources, branding, or facilities under this policy.

II. Hosting of Political Events

A. Student Organization-Hosted Events

Registered student organizations may invite political candidates, elected officials, or political figures to campus for educational, informational, or civic engagement purposes, subject to University approval.

Student organizations are encouraged to design events that promote thoughtful civic discourse by considering opportunities to include differing perspectives when appropriate. Depending on the nature, format, or circumstances of a proposed event, the University may require additional measures designed to promote safety, compliance with applicable law, or the educational mission of the institution. Such measures may include incorporating differing perspectives or other event conditions, as determined by the University.

Examples of ways to include differing perspectives include:

inviting a moderator who can facilitate a meaningful dialogue;
including panelists representing differing perspectives;
partnering with another registered student organization; or
providing educational programming that encourages respectful dialogue.

Student organizations are responsible for ensuring that political events comply with this policy, the Green Pages (Student Handbook), the University's Non-Discrimination Policy, and other applicable University policies.

Events hosted by student organizations are limited to Jacksonville University students and invited University participants. Student-sponsored events are not open to the general public.

Student organizations may not invite, coordinate with, or facilitate attendance by members of the news media or other media organizations at political events unless expressly authorized by the University. Any approved media attendance shall be coordinated through University Marketing & Communications.

Following approval, the sponsoring organization must coordinate with the University offices designated as appropriate for the event, which may include Strategic Events and Campus Experience, University Marketing & Communications, External Affairs and Campus Security.

B. Faculty and Academic Programming

Faculty members may invite political candidates, elected officials, political figures, or other public officials to participate in classroom instruction or academic programming consistent with principles of academic freedom and the University's educational mission.

Faculty-sponsored political events must:

remain nonpartisan from the University's perspective;
not constitute campaign events or fundraising activities; and
be limited to Jacksonville University students, faculty, staff, and invited University participants. Faculty-sponsored events are not open to the general public unless specifically approved by the University’s Office of the President.

C. Staff Members

Staff members may invite political candidates, elected officials, political figures, or other public officials to participate in classroom instruction or academic programming consistent with the University's educational mission, subject to University approval.

Staff-sponsored political events must:

remain nonpartisan from the University's perspective;
not constitute campaign events or fundraising activities; and
be limited to Jacksonville University students, faculty, staff, and invited University participants. Staff-sponsored events are not open to the general public unless specifically approved by the University’s Office of the President.

D. External Organizations and Facility Use

External political organizations, campaigns, political parties, political figures, political action committees, and other non-University entities may not reserve University facilities or sponsor political events except as expressly authorized by the University and consistent with this policy.

Approval of facility use does not constitute University sponsorship or endorsement.

Any media attendance, press access, or media coverage associated with an externally sponsored political event must be approved by the University in advance of the event. External organizations may not issue media invitations or press advisories identifying Jacksonville University as the event location without prior University approval.

III. Permitted Political Events and Civic Engagement Activities

Jacksonville University supports educational programming and civic engagement activities that further its educational mission while maintaining institutional neutrality and complying with applicable law. The following categories of events may be approved, subject to the requirements of this policy and proper approval.

A. Educational and Civic Engagement Events

The University encourages educational programming that promotes civic learning, public discourse, and engagement with issues of public importance. Examples include, but are not limited to:

guest lectures by elected officials, public servants, policy experts, or other invited speakers;
fireside chats or moderated conversations;
panel discussions or policy discussions addressing matters of public concern;
classroom appearances by elected officials, candidates, or subject matter experts for instructional purposes;
alumni speakers discussing public service, government, public policy, or civic leadership; and
other educational events consistent with the University's academic mission.

Educational events should be designed to inform, educate, or facilitate discussion and may not be organized for the primary purpose of supporting or opposing a political candidate or campaign.

B. Candidate Appearances

Political candidates and campaign representatives may appear on campus in accordance with this policy when the appearance serves an educational or civic engagement purpose.

Examples include:

candidate forums;
candidate debates; and
moderated question-and-answer sessions with candidates.

Candidate appearances must comply with the applicable requirements for student organizations, faculty, or approved external sponsors described in Section II of this policy and may not constitute campaign rallies or campaign fundraising events.

Any debate on campus should include at least two candidates and must not promote or advance one candidate over another. When the University hosts a debate, or allows a third-party to host, the University will retain a neutral, non-partisan stance.

C. Voter Education and Civic Participation

The University supports nonpartisan voter education and civic participation activities that encourage informed engagement in the democratic process. Examples include:

voter registration drives;
distribution of nonpartisan voter guides;
candidate questionnaires;
candidate surveys;
distribution of informational materials regarding elections or voting procedures; and
other nonpartisan educational activities designed to promote civic participation.

All voter education activities must remain strictly nonpartisan and otherwise comply with this policy.

IV. Prohibited Activity

The following activities are prohibited:

campaign fundraising or solicitation of political contributions;
campaign rallies whose primary focus is to support or oppose a candidate for public office;
use of University branding or official communication channels to support or oppose political candidates or campaigns;
activity that implies University endorsement of a candidate or campaign;
possession of firearms or other prohibited weapons in violation of University policy and applicable law;
conduct that disrupts University operations or interferes with the rights of others to participate in University activities.

All political events and activities conducted on University property must comply with applicable Jacksonville University policies and procedures. Nothing in this policy exempts students, employees, or visitors from compliance with the Green Pages (Student Handbook), the Employee Handbook, the University's Non-Discrimination Policy, or other applicable University policies governing conduct, safety, and use of University facilities. p>

V. Neutrality and Equal Access

Jacksonville University may not support, oppose, or endorse political candidates or campaigns. All political activity on campus must comply with the University’s obligations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

If multiple candidates seeking the same office are invited to campus, the University may offer comparable opportunities for participation in accordance with applicable law and University policy.

Event organizers, moderators, and speakers acting on behalf of the University or sponsoring organization must not endorse or oppose candidates during official University events.

VI. Event Communications and Disclaimers

All promotional materials and event communications for political events must:

follow the University’s posting policy;
comply with the University’s brand guidelines
clearly identify the sponsoring department, office, or student organization; and
include the University’s required non-endorsement disclaimer.

The following disclaimer must also be communicated at the beginning of the event:

“The views expressed by invited speakers are their own and do not represent the views of Jacksonville University. The use of University facilities does not constitute endorsement by the University.”

Public-facing communications, promotional materials, and any approved media coordination related to political events shall be reviewed in consultation with University Marketing & Communications.

VII. Approval and Advance Notice

All political events require advance review and approval by the University, with the exception of faculty-organized speakers in classroom-based settings.

Requests for approval must include:

The proposed speaker(s) or participant(s);
The date, purpose, and format of the event;
The sponsoring organization, department, or external organization; and
Any known logistical, safety, or security considerations.

Approval requests must be submitted as follows:

Registered student organizations must submit requests at least 30 days prior to the proposed event date.
- Request forms must be submitted to the Division of Student Affairs.
- The Division of Student Affairs will notify the sponsoring organization after the University's review process has been completed.
- The Student Affairs team will schedule a meeting with the sponsoring organization to discuss the event, coordinate logistics, and ensure compliance with university policies and procedures. 
Faculty-sponsored events that are open only to students enrolled in the course and occur as part of regular classroom instruction do not require advance approval under this policy. Faculty-sponsored events that are open to a broader University audience should request approval by the University’s Office of the President at least 60 days prior to the proposed event date. Timeline requirements can be waived with necessary approvals. If approval is granted, they should then follow the University's standard event planning and space reservation procedures to secure event space.
Staff-sponsored events that are academic in nature and are not open to a broader University audience must submit an event request form at least 60 days prior to the proposed event date. Timeline requirements can be waived with necessary approvals. Any staff-sponsored event intended to be open to a broader University audience should request approval by the University’s Office of the President. If approval is granted, they should then follow the University's standard event planning and space reservation procedures to secure event space.
- Please contact the Office of Strategic Events & Campus Experience.
External organizations must submit requests at least 60 days prior to the proposed event date.
- Please contact the Office of Strategic Events & Campus Experience.

The University reserves the right to require additional information, impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions, and implement appropriate safety or security measures as a condition of approval. Any additional security or logistics costs associated with the event may be the responsibility of the event sponsor.

VIII. Individual Political Expression

This section applies to political expression and political activity conducted by individual students or employees acting solely in their personal capacities and not on behalf of Jacksonville University or a registered student organization.

Jacksonville University supports the rights of students and employees to engage in lawful political expression, advocacy, and participation in the political process as private individuals, consistent with University policy and applicable law.

Individuals acting in their personal capacities may not reserve or use University facilities or resources to host, organize, or facilitate partisan campaign events on behalf of political candidates, campaigns, or political organizations unless such activity is sponsored and approved in accordance with Section II of this policy.

Individuals may:

Express personal political views;
Support or oppose political candidates or causes in their individual capacities;
Engage in lawful political discussion and advocacy; and
Participate in voter engagement activities consistent with University policies governing expressive activity and use of campus space.

However, individuals may not:

Represent or imply that they are speaking on behalf of Jacksonville University;
Use University resources, funding, official communication channels, or institutional branding to support or oppose political candidates or campaigns;
Conduct campaign fundraising using University resources or facilities except as otherwise permitted by University policy; or
Disrupt University operations or violate applicable University policies related to facilities use, residence halls, safety, or student conduct.

Political activity conducted by individuals must comply with all applicable University policies, including policies governing expressive activity, solicitation, posting and distribution of materials, and use of campus facilities.

IX. Compliance

Jacksonville University is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. This IRS classification means that it cannot endorse or oppose political candidates, fundraise for or against candidates, organize activities that that support political organizations or individuals. Inviting political speakers to campus can be approved for the interest of education, awareness or understanding, not to endorse, sponsor, or fundraise. Failure to comply with policy may result in the cancellation of the event, disciplinary action, or other appropriate actions in accordance with Jacksonville University’s Green Pages, the Employee Handbook, or other relevant policies.

Some of the relevant policies are linked here:

Green Pages

Social Media Policy

Assembly and Demonstration Policy

Posting Policy