Town of Laurel adopts employee guidelines for social media activity

In a move aimed at establishing clear guidelines for employee conduct on social media, Laurel has approved a new “Social Media and Employee Conduct Policy.” The policy was addressed during a recent meeting of Laurel Mayor and Council. The policy was introduced at the request of a council member, highlighting the absence of such regulations within the town’s current personnel policies.

Under the new policy, any town employee who publicly states their employment with the town of Laurel on social media will be subject to specific guidelines regarding acceptable online behavior. These rules apply regardless of whether the employee is on or off duty. The policy sets boundaries on what can and cannot be posted to ensure that public communications reflect positively on the town and do not compromise its integrity.

“This is something we really want to do, and it makes common sense,” Town Manager Jamie Smith said. She went on to say the policy is designed to uphold professionalism and protect the town’s reputation and applies to all full-time and part-time staff, including members of the Laurel Police Department, who must also follow additional department-specific guidelines.

According to the policy language, employees who publicly identify themselves as affiliated with the town of Laurel on social media, whether explicitly or implicitly, are expected to represent the town with integrity and adhere to existing policies and procedures. The policy warns that information posted online is neither private nor secure and may be permanently accessible, potentially leading to unintended consequences. Employees are advised against disclosing confidential information or sharing content that could compromise their credibility, reflect negatively on the town, or undermine public trust.

The guidelines prohibit staff from engaging in online activity that could be seen as discriminatory, obscene, or offensive. Posts containing hate speech, threats, or derogatory remarks about any individual or group based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or political views are strictly forbidden. Additionally, employees are discouraged from publicly discussing their employment with the town or sharing information about colleagues or residents without permission.

The policy also restricts the use of social media during work hours unless explicitly approved for official town purposes. Employees accessing social media on town-owned computers must obtain prior authorization. Furthermore, those aware of violations by colleagues are required to report them to a supervisor.

Town officials emphasize that public employees do not have unrestricted First Amendment protections when posting about work-related matters. Any social media activity deemed detrimental to the town or in violation of policy may result in disciplinary action. Employees uncertain about what is appropriate online are encouraged to seek guidance before posting.
Smith said with this policy in place, the town of Laurel aims to ensure that its employees engage responsibly on social media while maintaining the trust and respect of the community.

Council members had been given ample time to review the proposed policy before the meeting and were encouraged to submit any feedback. The general consensus among officials was in favor of the new guidelines.
The measure passed unanimously, with six council members voting in favor and no opposition.
Following its approval, copies of the policy was distributed to all town employees, who will be required to sign an acknowledgment confirming they have read and understand the new regulations.