Maine University Trustees Ok Controversial Political Activity Rules

The University of Maine System board of trustees unanimously approved a contentious political activity policy during its meeting Monday, despite faculty and student representatives’ pleas for another delay. The proposal sparked controversy when an early draft started circulating among faculty members late last year. The aim of the policy on “Institutional Authority on Political Matters,” was to prevent university employees from participating in partisan political advocacy while on the clock or using university resources. Faculty members worried the way the policy was written left the door open to restrictions on free speech and academic freedom.