7.14.01  Purpose:

This policy is to set forth guidelines for the utilization of social media and social network sites that enhance the Park District of Highland Park’s communication and provides information to the public, without violating an individuals’ right to free speech. Social media encourages followers to share thoughts, opinions, and other comments on our social media platforms. However, all “posts/comments” should be done in a respectful manner. The Park District designates its social media platforms as limited public forums subject to the terms and conditions of this Policy.

7.12.03 Policy:  

A comment posted by a member of the public on any Park District social media site is the opinion of the poster only, and publication of a comment does not imply endorsement of, or agreement by, the Park District, nor do the comments necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the Park District. The Park District also does not endorse the opinions expressed in posts and/or comments left by users on its social media sites, or endorse the comments left on any sites that the Park District might link to.

The Park District retains the right to edit or remove any content that violates this or any other policy of the Park District or any applicable law, including but not limited to:

• Spam, malware or viruses
• Links to non-applicable sites
• Solicitation of goods or services
• Endorsement or opposition to political campaigns or ballot measures (applies to Federal, State, and Local campaigns)
• Content that promotes, fosters or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or mental or physical disability or any other protected class
• Obscene/pornographic/sexual content or links
• Content that infringes upon any copyrights, trademarks, or legal ownership
• Content that violates any local, state, or federal laws
• Content that encourages illegal activity
• Clear and obvious threats to any person or organization
• Personally identifiable medical information
• Information that may compromise the safety, security or proceedings of public systems or a criminal or civil investigations will be removed, and the user will be blocked.

1. The Park District also reserves the right to deny access to Park District of Highland Park social media sites for any individual who repeatedly violates these policies, at any time and without prior notice. 
2. The following phrase should be used to warn individuals about their content: 
   • “Your recent post is in violation of the Park District of Highland Park’s Social Media Policy. Please refrain from posting content in violation of the Policy in the future. If you do not refrain, we will be forced to block you from this forum. Thank you for your understanding.”