How Scientists Can be Involved in the Run Up to the 2020 Election

When: Friday, October 23 from 4:15-5:00 PM EDT

Where: AAAS Science, Technology and Human Rights Conference

This session will cover how scientists can be involved in campaigning and other political activities during the 2020 election. Attorney Augusta Wilson will discuss issues such as whether scientists can donate to a candidate, volunteer for a campaign, and engage in other political activities. The goal is to ensure that researchers understand how to participate in politics to the fullest extent possible while minimizing any negative repercussions in their professional lives.

Wilson will discuss certain limitations on political expression and involvement likely to be relevant for many scientists during campaign season, particularly the Hatch Act. She’ll also talk about how the First Amendment protects scientists’ rights—both government employees and those in the private sector—to participate in political activism.