OSC said that both BLM and the tea party are blanket terms for a movement for social change. The BLMGN didn’t respond to a request for comment on the decision, nor on the comparison between BLM and the tea party, which was the basis for the new ruling. “Considering that BLMGN is overwhelmingly focused on policy issues, not on promoting or opposing political parties or candidates for partisan political office, it is not a partisan political group at this time,” the OSC concluded. And even though most people might see the group as more aligned with Democrats, “that does not make it a ‘partisan political group’ for purposes of the Hatch Act.” This election, BLMGN is pushing for increased voter turnout, and is active on issues of policing, education and the like - but has not endorsed any party or candidate. Likewise the Black Lives Matter Global Network, the largest BLM group, which in 2016 pondered endorsing a candidate for president, ultimately did not do so, OSC said. The party offered them a forum, but refused to add a specific debate. OSC says its ruling turns on how deeply BLM is involved in partisan politics.Īccording to OSC, BLM leaders have generally kept clean - though in 2016 they did negotiate with the Democratic National Committee to try to sponsor a BLM-themed debate. Agencies were disseminating the new OSC guidance this week. The issue of BLM and the workplace has apparently roiled federal departments and agencies in recent weeks, as the county has faced protests over policing and racism. Some agencies may have their own more restrictive rules about displaying signs or otherwise expressing support for BLM, the office said. In an update added to the guidance this week, the OSC said its guidance only applies to the Hatch Act. Therefore, using BLM terminology, without more, is not political activity,” the OSC said. But BLM terminology is issue-based, not a campaign slogan. “BLM is a ‘hot-button’ issue and both politically and culturally salient. But “phrases related to issues” don’t rise to the same threshold, so someone could use “Black Lives Matter” as an email signature, under the guidance. Political campaign slogans are illegal - so workers could not post a “Make America Great Again” sign in a cubicle. Violations can be punished by reprimands, suspensions or firings. government employees, particularly while on the job. The Hatch Act governs what types of political activities are acceptable from U.S.

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