The election is bringing out the political side of professors at UNM, and some openly display whose side they are taking.
The University Business Policies and Procedures Manual encourages political activity as socially important, stating, "All University employees should feel free to engage in political activities, so far as they are able to do so consistent with their full obligations to the University and in accordance with applicable laws."
But political activities "must be done on the employee's own time and should not interfere with University duties," the policy states.
It is not clear, though, whether displaying a campaign sign qualifies as campaigning.
UNM student Cammy Cook said she expected political expression would be rampant in UNM classrooms, but instead it has been minimal.
She said she has not seen many campaign signs in faculty offices, but on her way through the UNM Bookstore lobby, Cook said she encountered an abortion-rights poster lodged behind a stand of newspapers.
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"It kind of bothered me," she said. "It looked like the bookstore was campaigning."
Professors should be permitted to display campaign signs on their office doors, she said. When it comes to professors wearing campaign buttons to class, the line is also blurred.
"I don't know," she said. "That's a tough call."
Communication and journalism Professor Dennis Herrick said faculty should maintain political neutrality while on the job, "unless there's some academic reason for it, like they're trying to demonstrate something for class purposes."
"If it's just hanging there for their own gratification, then that wouldn't be proper - not in a public taxpayer-funded institution," he said. "That calls for some neutrality."
Rene Aguilera, a UNM student, agreed, saying the influence professors exercise could be misused.
"Professors should just stick to teaching their classes," he said.
Larry Phillips, teaching assistant, said he generally refrains from overt political endorsements, but encourages students to vote.
"Maybe I've gotten caught saying, 'You need to vote so we can fix this mess,'" he said
But, he said, he suspects standards at military academies may differ.
"The militarist candidate might get a little extra endorsement," Phillips said.
Bethany Luke said college students are adults and should not be shielded from political expression.
"It's different when it's in high school, because a lot of times in high school, kids get really persuaded by their teachers," she said. "At this level, people tend to start thinking for themselves."
