Vanderbilt encourages students to engage with public issues and in the political process to the fullest extent of their interests. However, because of its tax-exempt status, the University is subject to legal restrictions concerning certain political activities. In particular, federal law imposes limitations on tax-exempt organizations relating to attempts to influence legislation by lobbying, and an absolute prohibition on participating or intervening in political campaigns on behalf of, or in opposition to, candidates for public office.
These limitations affect students and student organizations in several ways. For one, the prohibition on supporting or opposing political candidates means that student organizations must not use the benefits they receive from Vanderbilt, such as funds, space, or the use of Vanderbilt facilities and resources, on behalf of or in opposition to a political candidate. If, however, Vanderbilt space or facilities are provided to a candidate, the University must approve such use in advance, as well as determine and collect from the candidate, the fair market rate for such use, to be charged equally to any candidates, in advance of the use.
Students and student organizations are prohibited from taking any action that states or implies that Vanderbilt is endorsing or opposing particular candidates, political parties, or organizations. Although every member of the academic community has a right to participate in the election process (or not to participate, as the member sees fit) in a personal capacity, no student may speak or act in Vanderbilt’s name in connection with any individual's political campaign for office.
Registered Student Organizations permitted to make use of the University’s name or trademarks must not state or imply University endorsement of–or opposition to–candidates. Using the University's name, trademarks, facilities, or resources to support or oppose candidates for public office is strictly prohibited.
Students who choose to run for public office while enrolled at Vanderbilt must separate their campaign activities from their association with the University. You are prohibited from operating and running a political campaign from your on-campus residence. It also means that they are prohibited from using the University’s communications systems, computer facilities, or mail system to support, oppose, or advance any political candidate or a candidate's campaign.
In the interest of furthering its educational mission, Vanderbilt may allow candidates for office to speak or hold public events on campus, and if it does, then access to the event must be provided to all legally qualified candidates without discrimination as to viewpoint or party affiliation. Students or student groups wishing to have the University invite speakers who are candidates for public office must consult the Division of Government and Community Relations to comply with this section.
Students or student organizations who wish to lobby legislative bodies for the purpose of influencing legislation must ensure either that they do not state or imply any affiliation with Vanderbilt when doing so, or that they first consult the Division of Government and Community Relations concerning any Vanderbilt- related lobbying so that the University may comply with its legal obligations with respect to tracking and reporting lobbying expenses.