Social Media Policy

The Town of Oak Ridge's Social Media Policy was adopted in December 2022. One section of the policy applies to the public's use of Town social media sites, and another applies to employees. In using social media, please be respectful, factual, and stay on topic. If you have a concern or complaint about a specific employee, please do not post it online; instead, please contact Town Hall so that we may appropriately handle the matter. For information on the policy, contact Town Hall at (336) 644-7009.

 

P-2022-05 

TOWN OF OAK RIDGE

Social Media Policy

The purpose of the Town’s website and social media sites is to communicate news and information about the Town, to provide timely information about government services, events, and emergency communications, and to present matters of public interest to citizens and other interested parties. Social media sites include YouTube, Facebook, and Next Door. Other platforms may be used with the approval of the Town Manager. 

The Town’s sites are moderated, and they are subject to public records laws. The Town reserves the right to hide or delete comments. Comments that can be hidden or deleted include:

  • Vulgar, profane, or obscene language or content
  • Personal attacks of any kind
  • Offensive comments
  • Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, martial status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation
  • Spam
  • Sales or promotion of goods or services or links to other sites
  • Advocation of illegal activity or actions that compromise safety or security of the public
  • Promotion of particular services, products, or political organizations, candidates or ideas
  • Infringing on copyrights or trademarks
  • Confidential or nonpublic information
  • False and misleading information

Opinions and comments expressed on social media sites do not reflect the opinions and position of the Town of Oak Ridge government or its employees. Any links to sites other than those belonging to the Town do not constitute endorsement by the Town of Oak Ridge. 

The materials and information contained on or obtained from any of the Town’s social media platforms are distributed “as is” without warranties of any kind. The Town of Oak Ridge is not responsible for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages that may arise from the use of, or the inability to use, the social media platform and/or the materials contained on the platform whether they are provided by the Town or a third party. Data on the platform are subject to change without notice.


Employee Use of Social Media

Employees are allowed to have personal social networking sites, but should always keep in mind that they are seen as representatives of the Town. To avoid blurring the lines between professional and private business, the Town recommends strict separation between the professional and private on personal social media sites. Employees are prohibited from conducting Town business via their personal sites. It is also recommended that employees not identify with the Town on their personal social media accounts.

Employees using social media to communicate on behalf of the Town should be mindful that any statements are made on the Town’s behalf, therefore, employees should use discretion before posting or commenting. Communications should include no profanity, obscenity, or copyright violations, and confidential and nonpublic information should not be shared. Employees should always consider whether it is appropriate to post an opinion or discuss topics outside of their area of expertise. Inappropriate usage of social media can be grounds for disciplinary action.

 

Adopted December 1, 2022