Inviting Elected Officials to Campus
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Inviting Elected Officials to Campus
The University of Louisville welcomes opportunities for students, faculty and staff to engage with public officials and candidates in ways that support the university’s educational mission. The university encourages civic engagement and recognizes the right of members of the campus community to participate in public service, political activity and advocacy in their private time and individual capacities.
To ensure institutional neutrality and compliance with applicable laws and policies, events involving elected officials or candidates require advance coordination. Early consultation helps the university provide guidance on planning, logistics and compliance, while supporting meaningful and educational engagement.
On-campus events involving elected officials or candidates may be permissible when they are:
- Conducted in a nonpartisan manner
- Educational or informational in purpose
- Structured to avoid the appearance of institutional endorsement or opposition
Officials and candidates must understand that campaigning is not permitted at university-sponsored events, and university resources may not be used to support or oppose any candidate, political party or ballot initiative.
Given the nuanced nature of political activity — particularly near elections or when public policy issues are prominent in public discourse — units are encouraged to consult with the Office of Government Affairs before extending an invitations.
Coordination and Pre-Notification Requirements
Faculty, staff, departments and units planning to invite an elected official or candidate for office to campus must notify the Office of External Relations in advance. To support compliance with the university’s Viewpoint Neutrality Policy and related laws, units should consult the Office of Government Affairs regarding any planned meetings, events or appearances involving legislative or executive branch officials.
Early coordination helps ensure:
- Compliance with applicable state and federal ethics, election and lobbying laws
- Consistency with the university’s Viewpoint Neutrality Policy
- Appropriate protocol, logistics and safety planning
- Coordination with the university's Office of Communications and Marketing on media and messaging
- Clear distinctions between official university activities and individual expression
- Understanding of the university's Free Speech guidelines
To help ensure compliance with the Viewpoint Neutrality Policy, please call the Office of Government Relations at 502-852-5310 or email Nick Peak regarding any planned meetings or appearances involving legislative or executive branch officials.