Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Employee Political Activity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee debates 'sanction' wording in employee political‑activity policy; motion to table fails
Summary
Committee reviewed proposed redline to policy 77‑20 restricting employee political activity unless school‑sanctioned. Members raised legal and practical concerns about the term 'sanction' and possible chilling effects; the committee did not adopt a tabling motion and asked for clearer drafting.
Members questioned whether proposed language that would limit employee political activities unless "school‑sanctioned" might create unintended consequences, including statutory conflicts and unclear enforcement. One committee member suggested breaking the sentence and clarifying that the restriction applies to activities during work hours, using school funds, or leveraging an official position. "Employees shall not make use of an official position to encourage or to coerce students, employees or others," a member suggested as clearer phrasing to avoid ambiguous 'sanction' authority.
Others noted a legitimate district interest in allowing staff to advance a board‑adopted legislative agenda without penalty, and raised example scenarios such as teacher travel to advocate in Raleigh. After extended discussion about statutory limits and drafting options, a motion to table for further clarification was proposed but did not carry; the item remains in committee for redrafting to address the statutory and operational concerns raised.
