Policy committee to redline social-media guidance after broad discussion on scope and review schedule
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Summary
Committee discussed Policy 1.08 (Responsible Use of Social Media), noting overlap with the employee code of conduct and the need for platform-agnostic language and regular review; staff will produce a redline for the March meeting and the committee debated whether a 2-year review cycle should remain.
The policy committee reviewed Policy 1.08 on responsible use of social media in an information-only session and asked staff to prepare a redline for the committee—s March meeting. Staff noted the policy contains many legal references that must be checked against recent Supreme Court decisions that affect where the line falls between personal expression and employer regulation.
Board members emphasized three needs: (1) make the policy platform-agnostic rather than naming social platforms that change frequently, (2) harmonize any prohibitions or expectations with the employee code of conduct (which already contains exhaustive social-media language), and (3) avoid embedding job titles that may change. Members discussed whether the policy should stay on a two-year review schedule given the rapid pace of change; some favored keeping a two-year review while others suggested three years or an annual check-in for material legal changes.
Staff said the redline will lift code-of-conduct language where appropriate and incorporate platform-agnostic definitions (including messaging apps and video-sharing platforms) while keeping implementation and enforcement details in the employee code or regulations. The committee did not vote on the policy and scheduled a redline presentation in March.