Political Activity Guidance

The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation and The Johns Hopkins University are committed to the free and open expression of ideas.   Employees are encouraged to engage in civic activity and to participate in the electoral process at all levels: local, state and federal. Federal law, however, provides that tax-exempt organizations such as The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation and The Johns Hopkins University may not themselves “participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.”

As nonprofit institutions, Johns Hopkins may not allow its resources to be used in partisan political activities.

In addition, use of one’s Johns Hopkins title and affiliation in this context is strongly discouraged.

Federal law governing not-for-profit organizations prohibits the institution or anyone acting as an agent of the institution from engaging in partisan political activity.

The Johns Hopkins Health System and The Johns Hopkins University political campaign activity guidelines provide practical guidance to employees on complying with both university and health system policy and IRS requirements.

Learn more: Political Activity Guidelines

JHU: Guidelines for Faculty and Staff: Campaign Activity

JHHS: Guidelines for Employees: Political Campaign Activity

For additional information, contact the Office of Government and Community Affairs via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by phone at 443-287-9900 or through the website, jhu.edu/gca.