Approved: May 20, 2016
Reviewed: June 9, 2021
Next Scheduled Review: June 9, 2026
Rule Statement
As a state-supported agency of higher education and a member of the Texas A&M University System, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is required to remain neutral in partisan political activities. Individual faculty, staff, and students continue to enjoy all constitutional rights and privileges concerning freedom of speech and participation in political events, subject to reasonable time, place and manner restrictions.
Reason for Rule
This rule is required by Texas A&M System Regulation 07.03.01, Political Campaign Events in Facilities Under the Control of The Texas A&M University System.
Procedures and Responsibilities
This rule establishes the process for TTI personnel relative to political campaign events in facilities under the control of TTI with consideration of applicable state laws governing such events.
1. Endorsement of Candidates and Officeholders
TTI will not endorse, recommend, or otherwise indicate partisan political support for any candidate for an elected office, or for any current officeholder of such an office. It is the intent and expectation of TTI that all employees avoid any behavior that could reasonably be interpreted as TTI endorsement, support, or promotion of political candidates or partisan political activities. Nothing in this rule should be construed to limit the right or ability of any member of TTI’s staff to express personal opinions or to exercise his or her right to engage in political activities outside his or her official capacity or affiliation with TTI, within the limits of the TAMUS Policy 07.01 and TAMUS Regulation 07.03.01.
2. Use of Facilities
Political candidates (either incumbents or new office seekers, members of their staffs, or their campaign representatives) and TTI employees are not permitted to reserve TTI facilities for political campaign events.
3. Current Officeholders
When a holder of a political office visits a TTI facility, the officeholder shall be afforded all due respect and courtesies to which their office entitles them. The Director or designee should be advised when the visit is proposed. If the nature of an officeholder’s visit is not clear prior to arrival, the TTI staff member coordinating the visit should use his or her best efforts to determine in advance if the officeholder will be engaging in any partisan activities during the visit.
Related Statutes, Policies, or Requirements
Contact Office
TTI Administration
(979) 317-2000