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• Any personal communications on a matter of public concern must not disrupt the
<br />efficiency of the City's operation, including by negatively affecting morale. In other
<br />words, such public comments must not undermine any City department's ability to
<br />effectively serve the public. Disruptive personal communications can include liking or
<br />republishing (sharing/retweeting) a social media post of another individual or entity. The
<br />City can act on the personal communication that violate this policy, even without waiting
<br />for an actual 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
<br />the newspaper. Keep in mind that harassment, bullying, threats of violence,
<br />discrimination, or retaliation concerning a co-worker or between co-workers that would
<br />not be permissible in the workplace is also not permissible online, even if done after
<br />hours, from home, and on 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
<br />on 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,
<br />disability, marital status, familial status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender
<br />identity, or gender expression, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or
<br />activity in a local human rights commission.
<br />• If you publish something related to City business and there may be confusion whether
<br />you are speaking on behalf of the City, it would be best to identify yourself and use a
<br />disclaimer such as, "These are my own opinions and do not represent those of the City of
<br />Ramsey.
<br />• Individuals must not use City -owned or operated equipment to post to personal
<br />sites, including social networking sites, limited exceptions may be made during
<br />break times or before/after work, when not part of your official duties.
<br />• City resources, working time, or official City positions cannot be used for personal profit
<br />or business interests, or to participate in personal political activity. Some examples
<br />include: a building inspector could not use the City's logo, email, or working time to
<br />promote their side business as a plumber; a parks employee should not access a park after
<br />hours even though they may have a key; a clerk, while working at City Hall, should not
<br />campaign for a 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 />1.7 Media Requests
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