Ohio Administrative Code
Title 3356 - Youngstown State University
Chapter 3356-7 - University Employees and Benefits
Section 3356-7-25 - Political activities of employees
Current through all regulations passed and filed through September 16, 2024
(A) Policy statement. Youngstown state university (university) employees are encouraged to fully and freely exercise their constitutional right to vote, as well as express their personal opinions regarding political candidates, issues, local, state and national programs, initiatives and referendums. However, as employees of a public tax exempt institution there may be restrictions on exercising these rights, as delineated in this policy and applicable laws and regulations. The university itself does not participate in any campaign for public office.
(B) Purpose. To provide guidelines to university employees for participation in political activities.
(C) Scope. This policy applies solely to individual university employee conduct.
(D) Definition. For purposes of this policy, political activity is defined as activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party or candidate for partisan political office.
(E) Parameters.
(F) Professional/administrative staff. Faculty and professional/administrative staff may run for or hold an elective office or serve in an appointed office insofar as the process of attaining and holding such office does not infringe upon fulfillment of responsibilities as employees of the university or is prohibited by federal or state statute. Employees should contact the office of human resources for information on running for or holding public office.
(G) Classified employees. Section 124.57 of the Revised Code prohibits classified employees from engaging in certain political activities, including soliciting or receiving political contributions for any political party, for any candidate for public office, or from any officer of employee in the classified service of the state. Classified employees are also prohibited from participating in certain partisan activities as set forth in rule 123:1-46-02 of the Administrative Code. These partisan activities include but are not limited to:
(H) Policy violations. Concerns regarding violations of this policy must be forwarded to the chief human resources officer. The chief human resources officer, or designee, will coordinate a review of the concern with the appropriate supervisor and, if necessary, the office of the university general counsel. Policy violations may result in discipline up to and including termination in accordance with applicable disciplinary policies and collective bargaining agreements.
