Public university removes post calling traditional marriage amendment ‘hateful’

Minnesota State University – Mankato (MSUM) may have violated state law when they described an upcoming proposition supporting traditional marriage as “hateful” on one of their official Facebook pages.

In November, Minnesotans will be voting on a controversial amendment to the state constitution that would define marriage as between one man and one woman.

Minnesota State University – Mankato removed a post from their Facebook page describing an upcoming proposition supporting traditional marriage as “hateful.”

MSUM’s LGBT Center encouraged students to “like” a page called “Mavericks vote no” so they can “get involved in defeating the hateful marriage amendment in MN.”

The post was later deleted by university officials after inquiries regarding the legality of it were made by Campus Reform.

Minnesota election laws prohibit certain activities public employees may partake in during work hours. Minnesota Election Statute, section 211B.09, states that “an employee or official of the state or a political subdivision may not use official authority or influence to… take part in political activity.”

In a statement to Campus Reform, Director of Media Relations for the school, Dan Benson, said the post “does not reflect the official stance of Minnesota State University, Mankato.”

He refused to say whether the employee who made the post is facing disciplinary action.

“As a public university, we don’t discuss any particular situations with employees publicly,” added Benson.

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