Appearances Before Government

Includes city, state and federal government, legislative committees, elected officials and other government bodies in public appearances or private meetings.

Sidebar

Representing the University of Louisville

Unless specifically authorized by the university president, giving the appearance of speaking or campaigning on behalf of the University of Louisville when supporting or opposing a political candidate, political party, legislative initiative or ballot initiative is prohibited.

Any appearance or testimony representing university interests requires prior review by the Office of Government Affairs, who will then make a recommendation to the university president.

Only the university president may issue or authorize official university positions or statements; the president may delegate this authority in writing for narrow, defined purposes.

alert-outline

To ensure compliance, call the Office of Government Affairs at 502-852-5310 or email Nick Peak about any planned meetings or appearances involving legislative officials.

Speaking in a Personal or Professional Capacity

Faculty and staff may speak, testify or comment in their individual or professional capacity if they clearly state they are not representing the University of Louisville.

The Viewpoint Neutrality Policy requires that expressions made by members of the university community as private individuals shall not give the impression of representing the university.

This misrepresentation can be avoided by using appropriate disclaimers, clearly noting when speaking in an individual capacity, and avoiding the use of university email accounts, marks, logos, web sites, signature lines or stationery when advocating for a particular issue.

Disclaimers

For Presentations

Print on each slide:

  • “The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are my own and do not reflect the position of the University of Louisville.”

For Speeches or Remarks

Spoken in the remarks:

  • “Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this speech are my own and do not reflect the position of the University of Louisville.”

Protection of Free Speech

Nothing in the Viewpoint Neutrality Policy is intended to impede members of the university community in exercising their rights to free speech. Individuals may participate in public service, political activity and advocacy work on their own time and in their individual capacity.