Social Media Policies in Academia

Recently my employer put out a proposed policy on Social Media. The policy itself it pretty standard affair, and the same policy put out by other colleges and universities across the nation. However, it made me think more about how this policy actually affects people, and why it only applies to social media, and not other forms of media. For instance, our college does not have an official policy for editorials or TV interviews. Granted, I wouldn't go out and say that my school supports Joe Smith to become the next president of Elbonia (A mythical land in Dilbert.)

However, it can lead to an interesting situation. This fall there are three ballot issues for a property tax levy to provide funding.  This example is purely for illustrative purposes only.

I often wear a shirt that states that I am an employee of my school. Sometimes I wear my name badge. Now lets say, that after work, I head to the grocery store. While there, a local TV news reporter stops me and asks me my opinion and if I will vote for any of the proposed tax initiatives. Not thinking that I'm wearing my work shirt, I state, that I am only going to vote for one, the one that I believe is most beneficial to the community. In my response, I say that I'm going to vote for Elbonia's get Land tax and vote no for the other two. Now said item airs on the TV, my school's logo blaring across the TV Screen in Hi definition (well sorta... I think we have a half news program in HD). Is that not just as damaging (or argubably even more damaging)? Yet, no policy is in place.

However, if I were to say the same thing on a social media site (including this blog) I could be violating the policy and subject to disciplinary action from the college. Especially if I said it in a manner that somehow portrays that my opinion is an endorsement by the college.

Granted, I also understand the purpose and even the need for this policy. We have had incidents in the past where staff members have posted content on social media pages that do represent the college.

Ultimately, I believe that this policy is ultimately covered under other college policies that state how we act as an official to the college. Furthermore I believe that anyone who has access and the ability to post on the college's behalf in Facebook, Twitter, or blogs should undergo training to avoid the situation that occurred above.

So what are your thoughts?