Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-206, referred to as the Little Hatch Act, prohibits state employees from most displays of political campaign materials on state property. The Act does not apply to students and visitors.
The Act prohibits ETSU faculty and staff from displaying campaign materials while they are on campus. Campaign materials include campaign literature, banners, placards, streamers, stickers, signs, or other items of campaign or political advertising, including lapel buttons or stickers, hats, t-shirts, or other items advocating for or against a particular candidate, party, committee, or agency. The Act does not prohibit ETSU employees from displaying campaign decals or bumper stickers on their personal vehicle while it is parked on campus.
The prohibition of displaying campaign materials extends to all state property, including our main campus and satellite campuses and the land, parking lots, walkways, buildings, facilities, equipment, and state vehicles.
The Act also prohibits ETSU employees from using ETSU’s email system to display campaign materials or to send message in support of or against any particular candidate or party.
To learn more about what is and is not permitted under the Little Hatch Act and to view a copy of the Act, please follow this link.