University News

A Message from WIU Interim President Martin Abraham: Political Engagement & Activity

October 9, 2020

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Dear University Community,

This will be the 10th presidential election to occur since I became eligible to vote, and while each election has certainly been distinctive, the upcoming 2020 election is uniquely challenging. The racial unrest, a global pandemic and the myriad of other challenges we face as a nation makes our need to be heard even more deep and profound. I applaud your passion and commitment, and encourage you to express these views, with civility and respect.

As we advocate for candidates and political causes, I must remind our WIU employees, including our student employees, that per the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, University employees may not intentionally perform any prohibited political activity during any compensated time other than vacation, personal, or compensatory time off, and they may not intentionally misappropriate any state property or resources (including University property or resources, which includes your University email, computer, telephone, etc.) by engaging in any prohibited political activity for the benefit of any campaign for elective office or any political organization or referendum question. The Act also prohibits individuals from using symbols and logos related to your place of employment. If you wish to engage in political activity, please do so outside of your work schedule, and please refrain from wearing emblems or logos that indicate you are a WIU employee. Perception rises to the level of reality as others could ascribe a narrative to your involvement that you did not intend.

As a public institution, our University grounds are open to free speech and expression. We do not have a specific area in which groups and individuals must set up to share their message. Outside groups are allowed to use our campus, just as University organizations are permitted to do so, whether the group is an official University organization or not. While we are an open campus, given the ongoing COVID pandemic, we do have scheduling protocols in place that must be followed, as outlined at bit.ly/WIUEventScheduling. Scheduling through this process helps us support your event, while maintaining safety procedures that ensure the health of our University communities.

Discussions are encouraged and differing points of view should be respected. We must remain calm, and refrain from messages of hate, racism, and violence. We may disagree, but we must do so in a manner that protects the integrity of our differences. Western Illinois University is an institution of higher learning, and we take great pride in our ability to learn from each other in a manner that is respectful, civil and kind.

Thank you, and be well.

Martin Abraham
Interim President



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