(A) The Town of Sellersburg understands that social media can be a fun and rewarding way to share your life and opinions with family, friends and co-workers around the world. However, use of social media also presents certain risks and carries with it certain responsibilities. To assist you in making responsible decisions about your use of social media, we have established these guidelines for appropriate use of social media.
(B) SOCIAL MEDIA includes all means of communicating or posting information or content of any sort on the Internet, including to your own or someone else’s web log or blog, journal or diary,
personal web site, social networking or affinity web site, web bulletin board or a chat room, whether associated or affiliated with the town, as well as any other form of electronic communication. The town encourages you to ensure your postings are consistent with these policies. Inappropriate postings that may include discriminatory remarks, harassment, and threats of violence or similar inappropriate or unlawful conduct will not be tolerated and may subject you to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
(C) Employees are expected to post only appropriate and respectful content. The following list provides recommended guidelines when using social media:
(1) Maintain the confidentiality of the Town of Sellersburg and private or confidential information. Trade secrets may include information regarding the development of systems, processes, products, know-how and technology. Do not post internal reports, policies, procedures or other internal town-related confidential communications.
(2) Do not create a link from your blog, website or other social networking site to a town website without identifying yourself as a Town of Sellersburg employee.
(3) Express only your individual opinions. Never represent yourself as a spokesperson for the town. If the town is a subject of the content you are creating, be clear and open about the fact that you are an employee and make it clear that your views do not represent those of the town, fellow associates, residents, customers, suppliers or people working on behalf of the town. If you do publish a blog or post online related to the work you do or subjects associated with the town, make it clear that you are not speaking on behalf of the town. It is best to include a disclaimer such as “The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Town of Sellersburg.”
(D) The town prohibits taking negative action against any employee for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation. Any employee who retaliates against another employee for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
(Ord. 2021-OR-031, passed 11-22-21)