SOCIAL NETWORKING AND POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

Louisiana’s Fire and Police Civil Service Law prohibits classified fire and police employees from engaging in political activities, both on and off duty. Political activity is defined in the Louisiana Constitution as any effort to support or oppose a political candidate or party. Such activity includes, but is not limited to, making contributions of time and money to political candidates, parties, campaigns, organizations, and factions, as well as making statements of support or opposition in elections, except those which are expressed privately. The ONLY penalty for violating the prohibitions of Article X, Section 20 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana, R.S. 33:2504, and R.S. 33:2564 is termination, and ineligibility to serve in the fire and police classified service for the period of six years.

The growing popularity of social networking sites and smart-phone applications, such as Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, and Twitter (to name just a few) represents a new and increasing exposure to prohibited political activity. Although these sites may appear to offer a venue of private expression, we advise that a text, a tweet, or a post to one’s “wall” or “page ,” cannot be considered private, regardless of privacy settings. We believe it is necessary to caution classified employees to avoid making any statement or comment of a political nature which may be construed to be in violation of the political prohibitions. Be cautious also of “liking” political sites, and comments made by social networkers, making online contributions to political parties or campaigns, or promoting or disparaging political web-sites. Once a message is launched into cyberspace, expect that it may be shared by anyone with anyone for any purpose.

Remember, for classified fire and police employees, political activity results in termination.

Please see the following links on Political Prohibitions

Political Prohibitions Poster

Article X, Section 9 (C) of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana

Louisiana Revised Statute 33:2504 (Large Municipalities)

Louisiana Revised Statute 33:2564 (Small Municipalities and Fire Protection Districts)