As the upcoming presidential election cycle moves into full swing, Howard University has released mandatory guidance on political activity that all faculty, students, and constituent organizations are required to follow.

Dear Howard University Community, 

Howard University like all universities, provides a natural forum for political discourse and activity. Moreover, Howard’s commitment to the “discovery of solutions to human problems in the United States and throughout the world” is in its mission, and the University’s essence is expressed in its core values of Excellence, Leadership, Service and Truth. 

Given the global attention to the historic potential nomination of Howard University alumna Vice President Kamala Harris (B.A. ’86) as the Democratic presidential candidate, the Howard University community needs important guidance to avoid any inadvertent attribution of political campaign activity to the University. A violation of the political campaign prohibition, whether intentional or unintentional, could have significant consequences that would jeopardize the financial future of the University. We ask that all members of the University community be aware of the following general guidance, which is taken from the Howard University Policy #800-002 Political Activity Guidance to All Key Stakeholders Policy (PDF). For more information, please review this Howard University policy. 

To protect Howard University’s legacy and its status as a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt educational institution, it is incumbent upon all students, faculty, staff, and alumni to comply fully with University policies and procedures. 

The most important point to remember is that the University and its constituent organizations are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activity. This includes: 

• making financial contributions to a campaign; 

• soliciting campaign contributions (fundraising); 

• distributing information or creating websites and links in favor of or in opposition to a certain candidate; 

• sponsoring events to promote a certain candidate; 

• engaging in disparate treatment of candidates invited to participate at a University event; and 

• establishing political action committees (PACs). 

This policy is not intended in any way to abridge freedom of expression, academic freedoms, or imply that individuals cannot exercise their constitutional political and civic rights. Should you engage in partisan political activity, you must always make it clear that your personal views or opinions do not represent those of Howard University and that your partisan political activities are not sponsored or supported by Howard University in any way.   

The next section includes two (2) disclaimers for your convenience.  

Disclaimers: Public Statements (Oral or Written) by Key Stakeholders 

• Key Stakeholders may not make partisan political statements (oral or written) when speaking as a representative of Howard University, at official Howard University functions, or in official Howard University publications. 

Personal public statements in support of a candidate or political party are permitted where there is a clear indication that comments are entirely personal and do not, and are not intended to, reflect or represent the views of Howard University and an appropriate disclaimer is used. 

For all oral personal public statements regarding a candidate – the speaker should personally state: 

“Opinions expressed are the personal opinions of [Name] and not the opinions of Howard University, a tax-exempt educational institution.” 

• For all written personal statements or appearances where an official is referred to by name and title – the statement should include: 

“Titles and affiliations of each individual are provided for identification purposes only. Opinions expressed are the personal opinions of [Name] and not the opinions of Howard University, a tax-exempt educational institution.” 

Please also note that Howard University Resources are not to be used, even when using the Disclaimer. Howard University Resources include, but are not limited to: 

• Howard University images, campus statuary and landmarks, logos, insignia, or marks. This includes images of the Clock Tower, University seal, Bison logo, and other trademarked intellectual property, 

• Howard University printed or digital letterheads or stationery, 

• Howard University building and email addresses, 

• indoor and outdoor campus spaces, including The Yard, offices, meeting rooms, and so forth,  

• office equipment, such as computers, phones, and copiers, and office supplies, 

• Howard personnel, including administrative staff and other Howard employees, 

• email, campus mail, and voicemail systems, 

• Howard University social media, and other platforms sponsored by the University, such as Zoom and Teams; websites, and blogs. University print and digital publications, 

• bulk mail privileges and sales tax exemptions, 

• paper and electronic mailing lists, including directories, listservs, donor rolls and databases, 

• food and refreshments. 

Outside of the University, individuals can express their own personal opinions and make direct personal contributions to a campaign.  Anytime your action might implicate the University, please stop and think about it and consider these rules. 

Finally, please take note that any invitations extended to dignitaries must comply with Howard University Policy #400-002 Policy for Inviting Dignitaries to HU.  

Since 1867, Howard has fostered leadership to address issues borne from injustice, discrimination, and disparity, to effect positive social, economic, and political change, particularly for African Americans and other people of color, through scholarship and activism. 

We hope that you will join in protecting the important legacy of Howard University by following this important guidance.  

Thank you. 

In Truth and Service