POLITICAL AND LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES POLICY
ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Background
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is a tax-exempt organization under Internal
Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Therefore, the Institute and persons acting on
its behalf are prohibited from intervening in any political campaign in support of, or
in opposition to any candidate for public office.
At the same time, the Institute recognizes the right of members of the Rose-Hulman
community to express their individual views or undertake activities related to political or
legislative matters as long as they are not acting in their official capacity as an officer or
employee of the Institute.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure compliance with IRS regulations regarding
political and legislative activities and functions for the Institute and for persons acting on
its behalf.
Policy
RHIT’s Charter codifies the IRS restriction by stating that the Institute shall not
“participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign or support of any candidate for
public office.” Accordingly, members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff acting in
their official Rose-Hulman capacity are prohibited from participating in or intervening in
any political campaign in support of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
This stipulation precludes the use of Institute letterhead, publications, equipment,
facilities, or other property in support of any political party or candidate for public office.
Violation of this policy jeopardizes RHIT’s tax-exempt status.
Questions related to this policy should be directed to the RHIT Governmental
Relations Liaison, Ext. 8218.