Handbook of Operating Procedures

I. POLICY AND GENERAL STATEMENT

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston ("University") recognizes an employee's right to participate in political activities as long as the political activities:

• are not conducted during work hours unless the employee uses accrued compensatory or vacation leave;
• are in compliance with the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas;
• do not interfere with the discharge and performance of the employee's duties and responsibilities;
• do not involve the use of equipment, supplies, or services of The University of Texas System ("UT System") or the University;
• do not involve the impermissible use of UT System or University facilities;
• do not involve the attempt to coerce other students or employees to participate in or support the political activity; and
• do not involve the UT System or the University in partisan politics.

An employee may request a leave of absence without pay for the purpose of participating in political activity; however, the University has no obligation to grant such a request. The interests of the UT System or the University will be given first consideration in evaluating any such request. In no case will a leave of absence without pay be granted to an employee for the purpose of being a candidate for an elective public office, holding an elective public office, or directing the political campaign of a candidate for elective public office.

If an employee wishes to engage in political activity that interferes with the discharge of his or her duties and responsibilities, the employee should voluntarily terminate his or her employment with the University. If the President, the Chancellor, an Executive Vice Chancellor, or the Board of Regents finds that an employee's political activity interferes with the performance of his or her duties and responsibilities or does not comply with the requirements of this policy, the employee will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

See also HOOP Policy 145 Communication with Government Officials.

II. CONTACTS

• • Office of Legal Affairs
  • 713-500-3268
  • legal@uth.tmc.edu
  • https://inside.uth.edu/legal/contact-us.htm

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