To Faculty and Staff:

SUNY and FSC embrace and respect the First Amendment rights of all NYS employees and have adopted policies to protect free speech activity. However, it is important to remain mindful that political activity and electioneering is subject to certain regulations designed to promote fairness and an environment where staff do not experience partisan political pressure. 

As we approach the final stages of the political campaign season, please remember that political activities on campus that may violate state law or policy include: public endorsements by those acting in an official college capacity, political rallies, and invitations to candidates to campus political forums that do not include opportunities for all candidates to likewise participate. Volunteering, fundraising, and related activity cannot be conducted on state time or use state resources. In short, while state employees may participate in political activity, they may not do so on state time or by using state resources. 

Once again, these requirements are not intended to limit academic freedom or first amendment rights. Please contact Institutional Advancement should you have questions. You may access the SUNY policy here.

Thank you.

John Nader
President