|
national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected categories. Non -personal
<br />communications (performed as part of one's job duties) to members of the public must be
<br />professional at all times. The following guidelines apply to personal communications, including
<br />various forms such as social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs, YouTube, etc.), letters to the editor
<br />of newspapers, and personal endorsements:
<br />• Do not share any private or confidential information you have access to as a result of your
<br />City position.
<br />• Any personal communications on a matter of public concern must not disrupt the efficiency
<br />of the City's operation, including by negatively affecting morale. In other words, such
<br />public comments must not undermine any City department's ability to effectively serve the
<br />public. Disruptive personal communications can include liking or republishing
<br />(sharing/retweeting) a social media post of another individual or entity. The City can act on
<br />the personal communication that violate this policy, even without waiting for an actual
<br />disruption.
<br />• Remember that what you write or post cannot easily be undone, and it may reach a larger
<br />audience than you intended. Use common sense when using email or social media. It is a
<br />good idea to refrain from sending or posting information or photos you would not want
<br />your supervisor or other employees to read, or that you would be embarrassed to see in the
<br />newspaper. Keep in mind that harassment, bullying, threats of violence, discrimination, or
<br />retaliation concerning a co-worker or between co-workers that would not be permissible in
<br />the workplace is also not permissible online, even if done after hours, from home, and on
<br />home computers.
<br />• The City expects its employees to be fair, courteous, and respectful to supervisors, co-
<br />workers, citizens, customers, and other persons associated with the City. Avoid using
<br />statements, photographs, video or audio that reasonably may be viewed as malicious,
<br />obscene, threatening or intimidating, disparaging, or might constitute harassment or
<br />bullying. Examples of such conduct might include offensive posts meant to intentionally
<br />harm someone's reputation or posts that could contribute to a hostile work environment on
<br />the basis of sex, race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and
<br />hairstyles like braids, locs and twists) national origin, age, color, creed, religion, disability,
<br />marital status, familial status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender
<br />expression, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local
<br />human rights commission.
<br />• If you publish something related to City business and there may be confusion whether you
<br />are speaking on behalf of the City, it would be best to identify yourself and use a disclaimer
<br />such as, "These are my own opinions and do not represent those of the City of Ramsey.
<br />• Individuals must not use City -owned or operated equipment to post to personal sites,
<br />including social networking sites, except during break times or before/after work,
<br />when not part of your official duties.
<br />• City resources, working time, or official City positions cannot be used for personal profit or
<br />business interests, or to participate in personal political activity. Some examples include: a
<br />building inspector could not use the City's logo, email, or working time to promote their
<br />side business as a plumber; a parks employee should not access a park after hours even
<br />though they may have a key; a clerk, while working at City Hall, should not campaign for a
<br />friend who is running for City Council.
<br />• Personal social media account name or email names should not be tied to the City (e.g.,
<br />"City name Cop").
<br />8IPage
<br />
|