CONSULTATION

A college or university would do well to consult its faculty senate and local AAUP chapter before issuing a policy statement that infringes on academic freedom, something that did not happen at Illinois. The national AAUP also stands ready to assist in evaluating policy documents on request. Once the Illinois statement was distributed to thousands of faculty and staff, a public response was necessary.

Cary Nelson AAUP President

Cary Nelson, President at AAUP, at 7:05 am EDT on September 24, 2008

A Sickening Attack on Free Speech

This grotesque interpretation of the ethics rules is both unconstitutional and a clear violation of academic freedom. Everyone should condemn this idea and the repression of free speech on campus. Not only does this affect all staff and faculty (which would be bad enough), but it also affects many students who also work as employees.

Not only must this policy be immediately reversed, but those ultimately responsible for creating it should be fired or resign in disgrace. People opposed to intellectual freedom who blatantly violate the rights of others have no place in the administration at a university. This is one of the worst examples of political repression and censorship at a public college that I’ve ever seen. I’d be happy to come speak at UIUC, UIC, or UIS on a panel and debate the administrators responsible for this.

John K. Wilson, collegefreedom.org, at 7:35 am EDT on September 24, 2008

Not Me!

I did not spend an extra nine years in school to surrender my Constitutional rights! When the most educated among us are muzzled by Horowitz’s minions, the fascists win! Time for the faculty of this school to call their lawyers, work to rule only, cal a union meeting, and... disobey! The Constitution trumps petty right wing administrators serving the Cheney administration any day. The right wing may despise the Constitution, but it looks like the “evil, leftist, socialist professor” may prove to be its defense! It’s a bad policy. I dare them to enforce it!

Diogenes, at 7:45 am EDT on September 24, 2008

Political speech on campus

I seldom agree with anything that Cary Nelson has to say, but he is right on target on this issue. C’mon Illini! Campaign buttons are now banned? Bumper stickers are illegal on campus? I suggest a massive response by every single person associated with the University of Illinois. Buttons and bumper stickers for all..regardless of their politics!

feudi pandola, at 8:50 am EDT on September 24, 2008

Thought police first, annihilation follows

I’m old now and have no need to mince words. For almost 42 years, I have been teaching English as a Foreign Language to U.S. immigrants from all over the world. In 1967, when I started, the national police shut down the universities in Venezuela (I believe the issue was oil...). I tutored those with enough money to flee the country. The survivors of the Pol Pot regime in Cambodia, the Vietnamese Boat People, refugees from Columbia, Bosnia, Turkey— just to name a few—have come to this country to escape oppression in their homelands. And what is happening? Freedom is disappearing day by day.Watch Michael Moore’s new Slacker film (available free—and you can order one for free for your college or university library) and get mad. The consequences of oppression are the end of life itself, not just academic freedom. It just makes me sick, physically and emotionally. Please register to vote if you have not done so. Please get an absentee ballot if you are living away from your home. And don’t just wear a button or put a bumper sticker on your car. Vote the idiots/fascists out of office while we still have the opportunity (assuming that not all of the voting machines have been rigged). May peace and common sense prevail.

ESL Professor, at 8:50 am EDT on September 24, 2008

Not Smarter Than a 5th Grader

It’s not April 1, but this sure reads like an April Fool’s joke.

Isn’t this the same University of Illinois that employs William Ayers, the terrorist-turned-educator?

Isn’t this the same University of Illinois whose Board of Trustees voted to remove Chief Illiniwek as its mascot because it offended people?

I think University of Illinois should get a do-over for a 5th grade civics class.

Jonathon Sanders, Professor, at 8:52 am EDT on September 24, 2008

U. Illinois and the Gulag

Perhaps this policy would be comprehensible if dictated by Putin for the Siberian Technical College — Gulag Campus. All, from the custodial staff to the body that governs reaccreditation for the University of Illinois, should reject this outrageous authoritarian muzzle.

Ongoing attempts in the current election cycle to block the functioning of the free press are already nauseating. Extending such a mentality onto our campuses is simply unacceptable and must be rejected in the most vehement manner possible. We will not kneel!

fecalito, at 9:10 am EDT on September 24, 2008

Elitist profs

While I am as incensed as Cary Nelson and those to have commented on the appalling infringement of employee rights to freedom of speech at U. of I. (my alma mater), I am nearly as appalled by the claim that universities and their faculty are somehow “special.” Would the faculty be so enraged if the policy only applied to the non-academic staff? Probably not. I work in a state institution that has a similar policy, I’ve just discovered, that may also apply even to buttons. Would the academics who are so upset about the policy in their institutions consider my right to freedom of expression less protected than theirs? Probably so. I think this is an example of an attitude that feeds the belief by those who work for a living that academics are oblivious to the way the rest of the world lives.

douard, at 9:10 am EDT on September 24, 2008

If the University of Illinois Ethics Office had it’s choice, this would be the next logical step.

Marla Crook, Women no longer have the vote at U of I, at 9:30 am EDT on September 24, 2008

office doors

Faculty should be allowed bumper stickers. However I don’t believe faculty should be allowed to wear campaign pins to class, or to have bumper stickers or the like on their office doors. Students are a captive audience in your classroom, and your office often functions as an extension of the classroom. Faculty have no right to force students to hear their opinions on subjects unrelated to the course material. Since no students are ever forced to look at your car, or even no which car is yours, I can’t see the objection to bumper stickers on actual bumpers.

http://rightwingprofessor.blogspot.com/

rightwingprofessor, at 9:45 am EDT on September 24, 2008

What is a “SAMOYED"?

Anthony, at 10:02 am EDT on September 24, 2008

Doesn’t the Law Trump This Recommendation?

“The American Council on Education ... recommends that colleges not engage in ... reimbursing university employees for contributions to specific candidates.”

Doesn’t election law already prohibit employers from doing this? At least on the federal level I believe it does.

Regarding professorial conduct, I personally think wearing a candidate’s button to a class that the professor is leading is a bit too much “in your face” treatment of the captive audience. Common decency should inform the professor here.

Observer, at 10:05 am EDT on September 24, 2008

On the other hand...

What I think we can all agree to take issue with is using state or Federal resources to promote one’s partisan political views. Is that what you’re doing, rightwingprofessor?

GBrown, at 10:05 am EDT on September 24, 2008

admininstrators on politics

Here is the University of Wisconsin policy. At least we are allowed to have bumper stickers on our cars (I pay in excess of $800 a year for parking. They are being too generous! :-) ****** Guidance on Political Campaign Activities at UW System Institutions Last updated 9/2/2008 This document provides general guidelines for employees and students of the UW System who wish to engage in an important but strictly regulated activity: political campaign involvement. This document is not intended as a source of definitive legal advice on the specific situations discussed below, nor is it a comprehensive legal manual that addresses all political campaign activity. In addition to the general guidance below, certain university employees holding highly visible positions, or those who serve in a liaison capacity with state and federal legislators, should be aware of the ethical and practical consequences of political campaign involvement as well as the basic legal issues, such as the application of state and federal lobbying rules to the activities of state university employees. If you have a specific question regarding political campaign issues, please consult your campus legal counsel or the UW System Office of the General Counsel for further guidance. What follows is a list of frequently asked questions concerningpolitical campaign activity at UW System Institutions.

I. Guidance for UW Employees 1. What is political campaign activity? Political campaign activity includes not only solicitation of campaign contributions, service in furtherance of candidates, political parties and political action committees, and advocating a particular position on a referendum, but also promoting action on issues which have become highly identified as dividing issues between the candidates. Further, comments regarding the specific actions, positions, or records of a particular candidate may be perceived as support or endorsement by the institution of a particular candidate or political party. There are other “political” activities that might not fall within the scope of political campaign activities as discussed in this guidance. For example, advocating for governmental action or legislative change, at a local, state or federal level, may be political although not related to a political campaign. While this guidance does not cover those activities in detail, because of restrictions on state lobbying and personal use of state resources, individual employees should not use state work time or state resources to engage in political activities unless expressly designated with this responsibility onbehalf of the institution.

2. As a university employee, are there restrictions on my political campaign activity? Yes. As a university employee, your political campaign activities are restricted by Regent policy and state law in three significant ways: (1) You may not engage in political campaign activities during your work time; (2) You may not use state resources to engage in political campaign activities at any time; and (3) You may not solicit contributions or services for a political purpose from other university employees while they are engaged in their official duties. State resources include resources such as o institutional letterhead and logos o office space and other facilities o office supplies o photocopiers o telephones or facsimile machines o electronic resources including email, websites, on-line discussion boards, cell phones, or other similar resources. As a private citizen, you are free to engage in political activitieson your own time and with your own resources.

3. As a university employee, may I run for state office? Yes, but this may affect your employment. Wisconsin law provides that no elective state official may hold any position or be retained in any capacity with any other state agency when the official is paid for his or her service with that agency. Wis. Stat. � 16.417(2)(b). A state university is a “state agency,” and therefore an individual elected to state office may not hold a paid position in the University of Wisconsin System. While the law does not preclude university employees from running for office, if elected, you may not hold a paid position at the university while serving in an elective state office. Regent Policy Document 20-6 provides that, if you wish to be a candidate in a primary election, you must first consult with the appropriate department chair, as well as the dean or director, to determine whether your campaign activity will impair performance of your university duties. If it is determined that the activity will produce some adverse effect, then a reduced-time appointment or a leave of absence would be appropriate for the duration of the campaign. If you are a candidate in a general election, upon consultation with the appropriate department chair and dean or director, a reduced-time appointment or leave of absence should be arranged. You may also run for local office. However, your university appointment may be subject to change, depending on the particular office you are seeking. Service as an elected official on off-hour demand activities (e.g., school boards, city councils, county boards, or local, state or national commissions) would not normally require a reduced appointment or leave of absence but may require the use of vacation/personal holiday time to cover any activities during the workday. If you separate from the classified service to fill an elective position, state law requires your employer to retain your right of reinstatement for 5 years following termination from classified service, or one year after termination from the elective position, whichever is longer. For more specific advice relating to classified employees, see OSER-0053-MRS State Employee Political Activity (Classified CivilService) and Wis. Stat. � 230.40.

4. As a university employee, may I host a political fundraiser off-campus (at my home, for example)? Yes. This is permissible if you do so on your own time and do not use state resources in connection with this event. In addition, you may not promote the fundraiser or engage in fundraising activities onstate time, or in state office buildings. (See, Wis. Stat. � 11.36.)

5. As a university employee, may I use a university conference facility or meeting room for political campaign activities? No. You may not use your university position to secure an on-campus conference or meeting room for the purpose of political campaign activities. However, an organization you are affiliated with may rent campus facilities consistent with the rules that apply to facilities rental by any other private organization. Note that state law strictly prohibits the use of state facilities for politicalfundraising. (See also, Section II.1 below.)

6. As a university employee, may I make contributions to a political campaign or collect signatures for a candidate? Yes, but only outside of work hours and university facilities. All UW System employees, including legislative liaisons and other employees who attempt to influence legislation, may contribute to and participate in political campaigns at any time during the election cycle. Pursuant to state campaign finance laws, however, campaign contributions and services for a political purpose (such as collecting signatures for nomination papers) cannot be solicited or collected on state time or in state office buildings. (See, Wis. Stat. � 11.36.) On a related topic, you may in some cases be required to identify yourself and your employer when you make campaign contributions, which then becomes a matter of public record. (See section 11.06(1)(a, b),Wis. Stats. and ElBd 1.46(1,2) Wis. Adm. Code)

7. May I permit an organization to list my name and employment title as a supporter in its political campaign literature—for example, in a letter to a newspaper, a brochure or a fundraiser invitation? Yes. Care should be taken, however, about using your official title to promote one candidate over another. Whenever possible, you should seek to clarify that the use of your name indicates neither support nor endorsement by the university of a particular candidate, and that you are acting solely in your role as a private citizen. On a related topic, you may in some cases be required to identify yourself and your employer when you make campaign contributions, which then becomes a matter of public record. (See, Wis. Stat. � 11.06(1)(a,b) and EIBd 1.46(1,2), Wis. Admin. Code.) 8. May I support a candidate by wearing political identification or buttons on campus? May I demonstrate my support for a candidate in my office or classroom by displaying stickers, slogans or signs in those places? It is a violation of state law for university employees to engage in political campaign activities while at work. Consistent with this principle, the State Office of Employment Relations advises that state employees are prohibited from “the wearing of a political identification while on duty where it could impair the effectiveness of the state agencies’ operation.” (See OSER-0053-MRS State Employee Political Activity (Classified Civil Service)) Accordingly, university employees should carefully consider the impact of wearing such political identifications while on duty. Similar concerns are implicated in the workplace display of partisan political signs. Further, Wis. Admin. Code � UWS 18.06(17), provides that no person may erect, post or attach any signs, posters, pictures or any similar item in or on a university building, except as authorized under institutional policies. (See, Section II.5 below for guidance on the posting of political signs in residence hall rooms.) The display of bumper stickers on privately-owned vehicles parked in university parking facilities, however, does not raise concerns aboutimproper or illegal political campaign activities.

II. Guidance for UW Students and Recognized Student Groups

1. As a university student or university-recognized student group, may I organize a political event to be hosted on my campus? Yes. Political events may be sponsored by either recognized or independent student organizations under certain circumstances. In fact, institutions and student groups are particularly encouraged to arrange non-partisan events such as campus tours for legislators and candidates, as well as to sponsor forums in which political figures or candidates may debate one another. Student groups wishing to organize such events should contact the appropriate facilities administrator to ensure compliance with UW System policies on use of university facilities (Wis. Admin. Code � UWS 21.03) and applicable institutional policies. Please note, however, that state law strictly prohibits the use of state-owned buildings for political fundraising. In addition, student organizations that have federal tax-exempt status may be subject to additional restrictions on political activity. 2. Can student groups utilize segregated fees or university resources to contribute to a political campaign? No. In accordance with UW System Financial and Administrative Policies (F50) and consistent with campaign finance law, student groups may not use segregated fees to make direct gifts, contributions, or donations to political campaigns or candidates. 3. May segregated fees be used to fund the printing of posters, political advertisements, or t-shirts indicating our group’s support of a candidate or political party? As discussed above, student organizations may not use segregated fees in a manner which would constitute making a direct gift, contribution, or donation to a particular candidate or political party. Accordingly, if the funding of these materials constitutes a gift, contribution or donation to a candidate or party, it would not be permitted. Student organizations may, however, use segregated fees to support their own expressive activities and views on public policy issues and other interests. Questions about appropriate uses of segregated fees should be referred to campus student affairs officers and/or legal counsel. 4. Can student organizations urge students to vote? What about voting for a particular party, or for a particular candidate? Yes. Student organizations are encouraged to help educate and inform students about upcoming elections, including urging students to exercise their right to vote. Student organizations are also free to express their views about the parties and candidates, and to urge voting for particular parties or candidates, and—as noted above—to sponsor events for candidates so long as they comply with rules governing the use of university facilities. 5. As a university student, may I display a partisan political sign in my residence hall room? Yes. So long as you comply with university and residence hall policies governing the posting of signs in dormitory rooms, and any other applicable time, place, and manner restrictions, such activity would be permissible. (See, Wis. Admin. Code � 18.06(17).)III. Political Activity on Campus

1. What types of educational events may the campus engage in to encourage voter education and participation? The campus may host non-partisan events to encourage voter education and participation, such as candidate forums and voter registration efforts. These activities must be non-partisan for the sole purpose of voter education. If candidates are invited on campus, all legally qualified candidates must be invited and given an equal opportunity to speak and participate. Permissible activities include speeches, question and answer sessions, debates, or similar activities. A statement should be given that the university does not endorse nor oppose any of the candidates. The UW System policy on the use of university facilities (Wis. Admin. Code � UWS 21) and relevant institutional policies apply. Please note that state law strictly prohibits the use of state-owned buildings for political fundraising. Electronic resources may also be used for non-partisan voter education purposes. For example, a university web page with current election information may include a link to candidates’ web sites if the web page includes all legally qualified candidates and excludes any commentary in support or against a candidate, express or implied. Again, a statement should be given that the university does not endorse nor oppose any of the candidates. If discussion space is provided, the university should include a disclaimer that the opinions expressed on the discussion board do not represent those of the university. Websites used for voter education purposes should be regularly monitored to ensure that they are not modified for the purposes of advocating for a particular candidate or political party. 2. Is it important that institutions sponsor political events that offer opportunities to all candidates seeking election to the same political office? Yes. A balanced approach is expected. For example, all campaigns of candidates seeking election to the same political office should be offered the same or a similar opportunity to participate in a university-sponsored event. However, if, when offered the opportunity, one or more candidates decline, it is still appropriate to host the event for those who have accepted the invitation. It should be noted, however, that the same principle does not necessarily apply to candidates who speak to a class at the invitation of an instructor. For example, a professor who invites a Republican legislator to speak to a class on the history of the Republican Party is not obligated to invite the legislator’s Democratic opponent. The invitation, however, should relate to the course material and should not be for the purpose of advancing one political candidate over another. 3. May individuals or candidates distribute campaign literature on campus? Yes. Campaigning is permitted in public areas at UW institutions, subject to institutional policies concerning the time, place and manner for conducting such activities. Similarly, distribution of political literature and campaigning may be conducted in residence halls, subject to institutional policies governing the time, place and manner for engaging in such activities. 4. Do candidates and political organizations have access to mailing lists of faculty, students and staff? Yes, to the extent that this information is available to the public. Some campuses provide this information in their staff and student directories that are available for purchase to the public. Other campuses may supply employee and student mailing lists upon request, with a fee charged at the time of request in order to cover the costs of generating the lists. University employees and students who choose not to have this information disclosed are annually offered the opportunity to have their names and home addresses withheld from these mailing lists. 5. Are institutions required to charge candidates who attend campus receptions? What about legislators who are currently in office? The general rule for those currently holding office states that university-sponsored functions are a benefit to the UW System, and not to a particular legislator or party. In these cases, there should be no charge to state legislators or officials. However, care should be taken to comply with applicable ethical and legal requirements (see generally, Wis. Stats. � �19.45(3m) and 19.56), including restrictions on the use of federal funds for lobbying purposes and limits on the circumstances in which legislators and state officials may receive hospitality such as food or athletic tickets in connection with eventsor parties hosted by a campus.

acstaff, UW Madison, at 10:25 am EDT on September 24, 2008

Just how is the an academic freedom issue? I agree, this is an absolutely appalling violation of free speech, but academic freedom, that’s quite a stretch. I think some of you out there just use academic freedom as an excuse when something offends you.

Ryan, at 10:45 am EDT on September 24, 2008

Not Academic Freedom, but Freedom, period

This rule is one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard. A state university cannot legally prohibit any speech that is permitted in the town square, and bumper stickers and buttons are surely protected speech. And for Robert, George, rightwingprofessor, etc. who worry about the poor students being subjected to campaign button on a professor, you’re joking right? I teach chemistry, and I grade my students on how they perform in chemistry. Whether their political opinions agree with mine is irrelevant, and they aren’t going to give a damn what button I might wear, or what cartoons I’ve got posted on my office door. It’s not an issue of “academic freedom”, it’s an issue of my freedom as an American, period.

Mountaineer, at 10:51 am EDT on September 24, 2008

Button Police and Common Sense

I can’t resist the opportunity to point out the obvious. Perhaps the last organization to be trusted to apply common sense (which is, I recognize, a tricky and not always reliable category) would be the University of Illinois, which came up with the rule banning buttons and bumper stickers.I mean, really, it would be funny if it weren’t so sad.

Cheap Seats, at 11:15 am EDT on September 24, 2008

Furthermore....

...if the college is that concerned about rallies and who attends them, well then duh....don’t hold them on campus.

Better yet, hold a debate between the candidates. More educational and balanced that way.

kgotthardt, at 11:30 am EDT on September 24, 2008

This is not a restriction on free speach. They are employees and as such the school can tell them what they are allowed to say. Most jobs will restrict what you can say if you don’t like it quit.

Why would a student assume that having a different political view would not bias the teacher against them?

joe, you are idiots, at 12:30 pm EDT on September 24, 2008

stupid is as stupid does

I agree with those who think is is, at best, ill conceived. I also agree that this has next to nothing to do with academic freedom. Since I teach composition and literature, my discipline doesn’t really expect that I campaign for one candidate or the other, though, as Stanley Fish would point out, we can have a go at what candidates and parties are saying and how they are saying it and how they are using rhetoric to advance their agenda. That’s within the purview of what I do. I try not to advocate for one candidate or another, but sometimes I do.

Anyway, I can buttons as something one would be better off not wearing to class. While it could both stifle and encourage conversation on a topic, it wouldn’t be a topic I generally teach. No problems there. While our office doors are pretty much whatever we want to make of them with cartoons, posters, comments or whatever, because we are a state institution, we cannot have campaign materials posted. For me, that’s no big deal. I don’t need to show my allegiance among my colleagues to candidate X or Y. If they know me, they can pretty much figure out how I’m going to vote. If they visit my house, they can see my campaign signs there.

But a bumper sticker ban is all but asinine, or as I heard recently stated by David Brooks (not about this, but about some of the campaign ads being shown), “stupid on stilts.” My car has but one bumper sticker, and it’s not about a candidate, but about my feelings regarding the war. Do we ban all the “support our troops” bumper stickers along with the “when Clinton lied nobody died” bumper stickers? I have specialized plates, one car advocating share the road with bicyclists and the other car with spay and neuter your pets type of message. Can we advocate with our license plates but not our bumpers? Or must we all have value neutral licenses on our cars as well? Seems the silly season has spread beyond the confines of the fall campaigns.

bradley bleck, instructor at Spokane Falls CC, at 12:30 pm EDT on September 24, 2008

Freedom and Professionalism

My two cents: I concur with those who point out that this has nothing to do with academic freedom and everything to do with reasonable employer constraints on free political expression. I don’t think we professors should be wearing campaign buttons around campus — certainly not in our classrooms — and I think cartoons, banners, etc. are best kept inside one’s office. I don’t know if students are paranoid or not; I just think it’s a matter of professionalism and courtesy to others.

The Illinois ‘ethics’ regulations are, however, utterly absurd. As many have pointed out, the ban on bumper stickers is beyond comprehension — and probably could get them sued. That faculty and staff cannot attend political events held on campus is insane, especially when we remind ourselves that faculty and staff probably organize these events for the community’s benefit!

As a real ethicist, I’m deeply embarassed. I don’t know who these clowns are, but they know nothing of ethics [or law].

cts, at 12:55 pm EDT on September 24, 2008

Some silly, some not

There are clearly some silly (bumper stickers, pins, unenforceable, and illegal elements of this directive, but largely missing from the story is that the prohibited activites involve the use of university property,time, and resources — not general prohibitions. Attending a campaign rally on campus is inappropriate if you are on company time, unless there are pedagogical purpose involving classes.

I have a number of objections to the execution of the policy, but before anyone gets carried away with outrage, let’s consider the bigger abuses this is designed to prevent, especially in light of the ones I see on ocassion on this campus (use of email to solicit candidate support, distribution of campaign materials in the classroom).

Paul Diehl, Professor at University of Illinois, at 1:10 pm EDT on September 24, 2008

While I’m not sure that this is *currently* a violation of academic freedom, this demand from the president of the U of I runs the risk of becoming one. Besides, it is already a violation of freedom of expression, which is worse.

I have been involved in politics and been an academic at the same time for a while now. I am perfectly capable, as a functioning adult, of separating out my scholarship and my political views. That is, I never have and never will penalize a student or colleague because their views are different from mine. I have found it useful to express political views in the presence of students or colleagues because of the interactions and conversations that ensue. A button is a conversation-starter, in my experience, not a conversation-stifler.

It is for this reason that I am especially confused to find that the administration on my campus, rather than trusting my mind and the minds of my students and colleagues, would like to force me to stop expressing my views in the form of buttons and bumper stickers. And, what could possibly be the rationale for holding a political rally on campus but prohibiting faculty (or any staff) from attending? How does this safeguard the U of I image or protect it from liability if the rally is already here? And finally, why does my presence at a rally mean that I endorse that candidate or speaker?

I am also unclear what constitutes a political bumper sticker: I have a “Darwin Loves You” sticker and an “Organize!” sticker in my office, and my daughter’s baby carrier has an Obama button (and sometimes she appears on campus, in the carrier with the button!). I have a bulletin board in my office full of buttons from my time as a grad union organizer.

I also have several feminist pins and LGBT-friendly pins in my office with the intention of creating a safe atmosphere for my students. Given different parties’ stances and records on women’s rights and LGBT rights perhaps these are political buttons endorsing a party? President White, if you’d like to come on down and take a look, I’ll let you try to decide which buttons are appropriate and which are not, though I make no promises to remove any.

Kate Clancy, Asst. Prof. of Anthropology at University of Illinois, at 2:05 pm EDT on September 24, 2008

Illegal activity

I can see it now....button parties in the basements of professors homes...bumper stickers pasted to the inside of the car doors...students informing on professors for wearing elephant (or donkey) neckties in class...ethics committee members searching professors outside their offices for contraband voting cards.

What absolute absurd crap. Perhaps the ethics committee needs to be monitered by the ‘maintaining perspective committee” or the “get a life” committee.

In the interest of equal time I think each class should have a basket filled with Obama and McCain pins so that students may each grab one on the way in to the classroom.

Question: if a professor chose to wear both an Obama and a McCain pin...would that be beyond the pale? Are Nader pins unethical...or just offensive?

dundermifflin, at 2:55 pm EDT on September 24, 2008

Redundancy of Law and Principle

Academic freedom does cover the rights of faculty to speech as private citizens. This is an issue of academic freedom, especially as the mean faculty work hours per week approaches 60. If you ask people to spend that much time on work, you’ve got to be flexible about where and when they fit in their private activities. My advice to the Illinois faculty—go to the rallies and be super loud. When confronted, calmly explain that you have attended as a private citizen.

Let’s not lose sight of the fact that this is most certainly, primarily, a constitutional issue. The law covers staff as well as faculty, and it’s a heck of a lot more binding than the Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure. Let the AAUP, faculty groups, etc. do their best to handle things locally. Keep that lawyer handy, though. As TR said, “Walk softly and carry a big stick.”

Wossamotta U., at 3:45 pm EDT on September 24, 2008

Button Police Conundrum

So, if I were U of I faculty, I would don a Goldwater pin, put a McGovern bumper sticker on my car, have a Perot placard in my office, display a Dewey slogan on my office door and spearhead rallies for Pat Paulsen.

Gail Beterbide, Humorist at CSU Chico, at 4:30 pm EDT on September 24, 2008

this is crap

I am not a professor and I don’t agree with this obvious attempt by our governor and his minions to shut up free speech. What has Obama done to tick of Blago? lol

Seriously. Bumper stickers? Please. We have bumper stickers for everything under the sun from our kids schools (Centennial, Central and Urbana) who all play each other during football, basketball, baseball and softball seasons. So now should we not have our kid’s stickers and license plates covers on our cars because it’s not neutral?

As a person who does have a sticker on my vehicle, I’m not going to pull that off everyday I may drive into campus. If the students don’t have to take it off I shouldn’t either.

As for the buttons, I do agree. If you are standing behind a podium and teaching or behind a desk working, you shouldn’t have a political button or even a button supporting your favorite team because there will always be someone who’s not supporting that person or team.

Not being able to attend an educational forum of ideas on the opinions of the different candidates on MY OWN TIME is ridiculous! It’s my time and because I work here, I am NOT here 24/7. This will be the only place they will come and speak anyway. I can’t see them going to the local Civic Center or Country Club to speak. They will come where more people are bound to gather and that will be campus. If it’s MY OWN TIME, I should be allowed to attend no matter what the subject matter (political or otherwise). As long as it’s not on UNIVERSITY TIME then it shouldn’t be a problem.

What’s next. I can’t attend the church I attend because it will offend someone here at the U of I. PLLLEEEAASSEEE.

The government giveth and the government taketh away.

web2008, not faculty at UIUC, at 5:25 pm EDT on September 24, 2008

Sounds like UI is complying with a state directive with the expectation of litigation to clarify the special status of higher education.

We all answer to someone., at 5:25 pm EDT on September 24, 2008

Respectfully disagree

I have read a lot of the comments on here, and I have to say I respectfully disagree. I worked as a public librarian, and my husband works as an academic librarian. We are both being paid with tax dollars. If you want to be real technical about it, our real bosses are the citizens of the city/state. I was not only a reference librarian, but a teen librarian as well. I was always careful to keep my political views out of the room. The teens respected me and would read books I told them about, watch shows I mentioned and even come to speakers I thought would be good, all on their free time. People who asked me questions thought I was more knowledgeable on certain topics than they were. I cannot tell you how many times I had to carefully explain to someone why I could not give them medical or legal advice.

If I wore a political button on my shirt (which was not allowed, and I think shouldn’t be) there are two problems. 1. Whether or not I believe I am thinking individual who cannot be swayed by such things, obviously there are people who are. Why else create lawn signs and buttons and bumper stickers then to woo the people who want to be a part of the winning side. It’s a psychological thing and I am well aware of that as a college educated person who was a political science major. Once I put on a political button, I am part of a political ad. “Look at me, you trust me with the secrets of your current medical situation and your marital troubles. I’m smart and I’d vote for Obama!” Although wearing a button is my right as a private citizen, and I would never suggest otherwise, wearing one when I am a public servant causes the second problem2. I am being paid with tax dollars while I am at work. If I don a political button, I am a walking advertisement for a political party/candidate. And now this walking advertisement is being paid to be in a public place with tax dollars, likely against the wishes of the tax payers. (When I worked at a public library, it was in a very wealthy very conservative area. They would not have appreciated paying for an Obama ad at their library.)

Our library even refused to put up yellow ribbons to support the troops when asked, a decision which earned us much ire in the eyes of the community. We cannot take a political stance because we are supposed to be nonpolitical.

As to the bumper sticker thing, well banning bumper stickers is ridiculous. At most institutions the parking is public, anyone could park there. There is no way of associating someone’s car with the institution unless you stalked it to find out who drove it. And most people would not go that far to make a case. You might as well say people couldn’t buy foreign cars, because that would indicate you don’t support the U.S.

And finally, to the professor who believes their students are intelligent enough not to be swayed by their open political beliefs and they don’t think it does any harm, I have this to say:I remember strongly several students who decided that God no longer exists merely because of a class a professor taught in college. Religion is much more ingrained than a political bent. I believe most professors know just how much influence they have over the young minds of college students. Almost no one can truly discuss politics without interjecting their own beliefs. Professors are savvy, intelligent speakers who have for the most part a captive audience. I believe it is a responsible professor who does not disclose their political beliefs to their impressionable students. This is likely why there was a contest going around in my major while I was attending college. We all were trying to figure out what political bent our Political Science professors were. They happened to be the hardest to read.

Megan, Librarian, at 5:30 pm EDT on September 24, 2008

Button Police

While the intention may be admirable, political issues are very much a part of our teaching and world. Students should be taught to participate and learn to question. We can only do this effectively as faculty if we set an example. Not allowing faculty to attend political rally’s on campus is not just an infringement on our individual rights, but sets a poor example for our students.

Nancy Gardner, Lecturer at CSULB, at 6:00 pm EDT on September 24, 2008

my point of view

I haven’t been involved in higher education since I left college over twenty years ago.

As a disclaimer, I am a registered Republican, and (based on reading various blogs and talking with people in college) I do believe that there is a moderate-to-heavy bias towards the Democratic party on campuses today.

My take on this... professors should NOT be allowed to promote their own political beliefs to students while lecturing, during office hours, or at other times while officially engaged in the student-teacher role. Discussion of political issues in general, of course, is fine, depending on the course. I never really did care what my Physics professor thought about the roles of the political parties in influencing economic policy.

So, take that button off when you’re teaching. If your laptop has a political bumper sticker on it, either cover it up when you’re on university time, or leave it locked in your office desk. Especially if it’s a public university.

Other than that, you have the same rights to political speech as anyone else.

malclave, Nobody Special, at 8:20 pm EDT on September 24, 2008

banned bumper stickers

First of all, I don’t understand the few posters who have blamed this on a right-wing conspiracy. The ban pertains to all politics and all political parties. That said, this affects staff too of which I am one. AS someone noted, this is the same university that employs William Ayers (in Chicago) and banned Chief Illiniwek. Since I have both a McCain/Palin bumper sticker and Chief Illinwek sticker in my back window, in the liberal atmosphere of a college campus, I may be in real trouble. However, they’re both staying right where they are.

chiefan, at 5:10 am EDT on September 25, 2008

Speech is all we have left

When you lose your freedom to speak and express yourself, you lose the ability to communicate. Do not let anyone take that away from you. Unless you are breaking the law, wearing a t-shirt, sporting a decal on your car or talking to folks on the sreet, freedom of speech must be upheld — and to hear that a university is trying to stifle free speech is disturbing.

jeff, at 11:26 am EDT on September 25, 2008

But That Was Yesteryear

This article reports a higher education decision/action that is sooo bizarre I felt compelled to share it with a couple of my ancient mathematician friends. The first replied ...

“My first teaching job was in the Madison County Public High School (scene of ‘The Bridges of Madison County’). Soon into the school year our faculty was informed that we were required to sign a loyalty oath — loyalty to the United States. As I recall, every male teacher was a World War II veteran. There was a lot of grumbling and grouching. As a timid newcomer, I simply followed the lead of the other teachers and signed the oath.

Joe McCarthy was very happy.

Jack”

My other friend responded ...

“What idiot ever imagined that higher education is in any way related to the interaction of real people with each other. Next semester my teaching attire will be medical scrubs, and I will deliver all of my lectures on line using YouTube. My office is already being remodeled in the style of a confessional so I can interact with students and answer questions in a completely impersonal and strictly neutral manner.

By the way, I think we should still be required to sign a loyalty oath. And those faculty who refuse should be shipped off to Gitmo ... immediately!

America, love it or leave it!

John”

Frizbane Manley, at 10:20 am EDT on September 26, 2008

Politics

I still wish someone on here would answer the simple question: ‘Are these rules wrong because it is being applied in a academic setting? Or, would this be wrong in any workplace (non-academic)?

I don’t work for a university, so these political restrictions are nothing unusual. I would even say they are welcome by many. (ok, the bumper sticker thing is silly).

I guess we just live in different worlds.

Jerry, at 2:20 pm EDT on September 26, 2008

laughable yet sad

As a new freshman in the summer of ‘06 my oldest child and all incoming freshman at the University of Illinois @ Chicago had “required reading” of “Dreams of My Father” by B.H.O. No wonder it sold so many copies!! No conservative authors wrote anything that year I guess.

Keith, tuition paying parent at uic, at 2:40 pm EDT on September 27, 2008

Free speech

The curtailment of free speech by an academic institution is especially reprehensible. Although it is doubtless that the university has a leg to stand on legally, academcians should not have to defend themselves from such a retro policy. Who is the president of the university that would allow such a policy?!!

Mike Ryan, Dr., at 7:10 pm EDT on September 29, 2008

Button up the buttons, don’t ban them.

While it is ridiculous that universities think they have the right to ban professors from the expression of political views while on campus, it is also somewhat ridiculous for professors to take advantage of their bully pulpit and attempt to influence their students’ political views.

I teach philosophy, including ethics. I believe that my responsibility is to teach my students HOW to think, not WHAT to think. So I never wear political buttons to class, but my car, which is parked on campus, spouts support of my candidate. In a large urban campus students are unlikely ever to see me in my car and therefore to know my views. However, for years I taught bioethics courses for my university at off-campus clinics and hospitals where my students regularly parked near me. For that entire decade I refrained from having the license plates I wanted. Why? Because it was part of my job to teach my physician and nurse students how to think about topics like abortion not what to think about it. I finally have the plates I want: 4CH01CE.

When a professor expresses a political position, it can have a chilling effect on students’ perceptions of their freedom to hold conflicting views. So, button up the buttons, but don’t ban them.

Mary Ellen Waithe, Professor at Cleveland State University, at 2:35 pm EDT on October 1, 2008

Loss of civil rights

This seems like another attack on our civil rights, the erosion of which was accelerated with the imposition of the Patriot Act. As a professor, I would never include political propaganda in my course materials or on course websites, however, I reserve the right to express myself as I wish on my car, clothing, etc. We don’t give up the right to free speech when we sign on to teach. Maybe some people will be bemoaning in a few years, “When they came for the professors, I did not speak up because I was not a professor...”

Bonnie Cramond, Professor, at 2:35 pm EDT on October 2, 2008

my alma mater

I graduated from UI in l968. Way too large, way too much the factory of HAL the computer, and Big Brother the Big Eye. U of I often asks me for $$ for the school, but besides the piece of paper, they have not done much by me.. andwith this idiocy, they can be sure they get nothing from me.

Big Institution.. small fearful minds.. control freaks... Can’t control it, can’t control human nature, can’t control the universe. How ab out trying to sit quiet and con-trollthe troll within.. try being a born again Buddhist.xb.

wm schaaf, self-employed, at 5:30 pm EDT on October 6, 2008

I’ve Got Something for You To Do

You’ve got to be kidding me that a university feels this type of hovering will be good for the behavior they are trying to squash out! No critical thinking there at U of I- It would thoroughly irrate both students and faculty at my university if such control was being forced around about politics, especially now when this race is so hot!!! This can be a great learning experience in many ways. What fools. What state are they from?

Patti, NSU of Louisiana, at 5:10 pm EDT on October 8, 2008

Buttons on campus

There is a differemce between a professor expressing and imposing their views on a subject. When a professor expresses their political views by sporting a candidates campaign button or slogan, it could cause the students to feel imposed upon to agree with the professors view instead of becoming the critical thinkers it is the professors job to make them.Rebecca Anderson

Rebecca Anderson, at 5:50 pm EDT on October 11, 2008