Speaking With One Voice
Greetings from the ICO! This month, we’re delivering an extra Compliance Corner post – from Guest Blogger Jason Block – to highlight a new policy on speaking with government officials.
If you’ve been at VCU for any length of time, you know that promoting a speak-up culture is part of our mission in the Integrity and Compliance Office. Having the ability to voice a question or concern or make a suggestion without fear of retaliation is one of those intangible benefits we enjoy. Did you know that VCU encourages employees to be a part of the public discourse, as well?
But if you choose to participate, where does the line lie between speaking as a private citizen and speaking on behalf of the university?
As a comprehensive research university, VCU values independent thought, innovation, and an individual’s right to express themselves. However, there are times when it is important that members of the university community coordinate to speak with one voice. This is especially important when speaking with government officials.
VCU, like most major higher education institutions, pursues a comprehensive policy agenda with all levels of government. This agenda is established by the university’s leadership based on input from unit administrative leaders, faculty, and the university’s overall strategic plan. To help achieve our combined goals, the university employs a full-time federal government relations professional, based in Washington DC, to lobby Congress and the Executive Branch.
Recently, the university enacted a new Communicating with Government Officials policy. This policy is designed to bring the university into compliance with federal lobbying laws. This policy outlines when the Office of Government Relations needs to be brought into the loop when it comes to communicating with government officials. In short, if a VCU employee wishes to engage with federal or state officials using university resources, like their VCU email address or letterhead, or is asked to speak to a federal or state government official in their professional capacity, they must coordinate with the Office of Government Relations. VCU employees are always able to communicate with governmental officials in their personal capacities—free speech is a bedrock value of higher education. However, when it comes to representing the university it is important that we speak with one voice.
If you have questions about this policy please contact Cindy Martin (cwmartin@vcu.edu or 804-828-3836) in the Office of Government Relations.
Jason Block is the Senior Compliance and Policy Analyst for the Integrity and Compliance Office in Audit and Compliance Services.