Political Activity Guidance
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Feature by: Darlene Wilson, Assistant Vice President for Finance and Administration and Controller
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With election season upon us again, it is worth reviewing Whitman College’s institutional responsibility, as a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, to refrain from engaging in certain political activities. Federal law prohibits tax-exempt institutions from engaging in partisan political activity. The IRS looks for such activity, especially during an election cycle.
The college could face the loss of its tax-exempt status, incur additional taxes or be subject to other risks including lawsuits, audits and investigations if such prohibited activity takes place. As individuals, we are free to express our beliefs and exercise our political rights. Any political favoritism or intervention by a person acting in their capacity as a representative of the college may jeopardize our tax-exempt status. Adherence to these laws is not meant to nor should it inhibit the academic integrity of Whitman College, nor stifle student or faculty activities and organizations.
To help you navigate your political participation this election season, please refer to the following guidelines:
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- Avoid any sort of institutional intervention on behalf of a political party or candidate for any public office. The college cannot be seen as favoring or opposing any candidate or political party.
- Individuals working for the college are free to express their opinions or beliefs about candidates as long as these statements are not printed in official publications or stated at official functions, or otherwise expressed in their capacity as a representative of the college.
- It is permissible to take positions on public policy issues, but tax laws prohibit any issue advocacy expressing favor or opposition to a candidate.
- Candidate appearances and voter education activities, including voter registration, Get Out the Vote drives, and distribution or publication of voter guides are permissible as long as they are conducted in a nonpartisan manner.
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The activities mentioned above provide a non-comprehensive summary of the relevant tax laws, formally stated in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. I would be happy to discuss this more fully, especially if your position or interests raise questions with respect to this issue.
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COVID-19 Isolation Update
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As we continue to monitor COVID-19 cases on campus, we wanted to update campus on a change to our isolation policy for students.
Students who test positive for COVID-19 should notify the Welty Health Center, Security and their professors. Whitman College will continue to provide isolation housing if needed, however, students now have the option to isolate in their permanent living space (as long as any impacted roommates agree to the arrangement). Students are still expected to isolate for a minimum of five days and are still expected to wear a mask in public through day 10.
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Celebrate Asexual Awareness Week Tonight
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This week, LGBTQIA+ Student Services is celebrating Asexual Awareness Week as a time to support and better understand the experiences of asexual or ace individuals at Whitman and around the world. Join them for Ace Week Craft Night tonight from 4–6 p.m. in Reid Campus Center, Room 216. Crafting materials and food will be provided. (See attached flyer.)
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Faculty Chamber Music Recital Tomorrow
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A Faculty Chamber Music Recital will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. in Chism Recital Hall. The performers will include: Amy Dodds and Anna Okada on violins; Lyn Ritz on viola; and Sally Singer Tuttle on cello. Music will include Three Pieces for String Quartet (2023) by John David Earnest and music by Mozart and Amy Beach. (See attached flyer.)
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Next week (Oct. 30–Nov. 3) is Spirit Week, organized by Whitman Events Board. Students are encouraged to dress up each day for a chance to win prizes. Follow @web_events on Instagram to learn what to wear each day and how to win prizes. (See attached flyer.)
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Staff Performance Management Training on Monday
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All new staff employees who have not yet participated in Whitman’s performance management process are invited to attend a brief training session on Monday, Oct. 30 from 11–11:45 a.m. to learn more about this important process. This virtual session will cover the various components of performance management at Whitman College and how BambooHR is used to facilitate the process.
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Red Cross Blood Drive in November
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Whitman’s Pre-Health Society is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Reid Campus Center Young Ballroom. Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to sign-up to donate blood. Appointment slots are limited. Questions? Email Eliza Daigle at daiglee@whitman.edu. (See attached flyer.)
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Photo (Alan Hoffmeister): On the heels of a strong finish during regular season races (pictured), Whitman College men’s and women’s cross country runners will compete in the Northwest Conference Cross Country Championship on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Spokane, Washington. The men’s 8K race begins at 10 a.m. and the women’s 6K race begins at 11 a.m. Live results can be viewed online.
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Harper Joy Theatre, Alexander Main Stage
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Reid Campus Center, Room 216
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Reid Campus Center, Room 207
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Every Day Is Halloween Costume Contest
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Harper Joy Theatre, Alexander Main Stage
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Tekisuijuku (Japanese Interest House)
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Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall
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Reid Campus Center Basement
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Tau Kappa Epsilon Chapter House
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Harper Joy Theatre, Alexander Main Stage
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Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall
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South Fork Walla Walla Trailhead
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Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall
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Ankeny Field, Styx Sculpture
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Hall of Science, Room 142
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Would you like to share an event with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.
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“Whitman Today” is produced by the Office of Communications and is emailed Monday through Friday to Whitman College staff, faculty and students.
All submissions are welcome! If you have accomplishments to celebrate, an event to publicize or other content to share with the Whitman community, email whitmantoday@whitman.edu. Submissions of 125 words or less are due by noon for the following day’s newsletter. Submissions may be edited and/or held for a later date according to space and editorial needs. Your submission also authorizes use on Whitman's social media unless otherwise specified.
Previous issues of Whitman Today are archived on our website.
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Find us on social media: @whitmancollege
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