Political Activity - Staff Participation
The Board recognizes its individual employees’ rights of citizenship, including, but not limited to, engaging in political activities. An employee of RISE Charter School may seek an elective office, or advocate for or against a political candidate or ballot measure, provided that the staff member does not campaign during instructional times or while they are responsible for other duties, or while they are in settings where they are likely to have contact with students; and provided all other legal requirements are met. “Ballot measure” includes, but is not limited to, bond or levy elections.
No person may attempt to coerce, command, or require a public employee to support or oppose any political committee, the nomination or election of any person to public office, or the passage of a ballot issue.
RISE Charter School shall not restrict constitutionally protected political speech of employees during non-instructional times in non-student contact settings, such as during duty-free periods in faculty break rooms and lounges during the school day or during afterschool events. Nothing in this section is intended to restrict the right of a RISE Charter School employee to express his or her personal constitutionally protected political views.
No RISE Charter School employee may use for election or political campaigns, private or charitable organizations or foundations, or ballot issues any public facilities or equipment, including, but not limited to, telephones, fax machines, copy machines, computers, e-mail, etc., or supplies, including, but not limited to, paper clips, staples, pens, pencils, paper, envelopes, tape, etc., that are purchased with public funds.
No RISE Charter School employee may work on election, political campaigns, ballot issues, or issues dealing with private or charitable organizations or foundations during the work day.
Legal Reference:
Pub. L. 76-252 The Hatch Act of 1939
Id. Const. art. III, § 1 Initiatives and Referenda
I.C. § 74-601, et seq. Public Integrity in Elections Act
Policy History:
Adopted on: July 12, 2021
Revised on:
Reviewed on: