The Postal Service’s Hatch Act education campaign is continuing.
The Hatch Act is a law that prohibits postal and other federal employees from engaging in political activity while on duty, while wearing a uniform, while on federal property or while inside a federal vehicle.
In a new message, USPS is highlighting the real-life case of “Daneisha” — not her actual name — a letter carrier who didn’t agree with some of the Political Mail that she was delivering to customers.
Daneisha wrote “corrections” on these mailpieces before putting them in the mailboxes of her customers, who reported her to USPS.
The Postal Service disciplined Daneisha for defacing the mail and misuse of government time. She also is under investigation for violating the Hatch Act because she expressed her personal political opinions to customers while on duty.
Daneisha’s example is being shared through messages in employee news publications and on Postal Vision video monitors.
USPS previously told employees about “Michaela,” a retail associate who made political posts to social media while on the clock, and “George,” a letter carrier who broadcast a political endorsement on social media while on duty and sitting in his postal vehicle.
The Postal Service will share more examples throughout the year.
The Ethics Blue page has more Hatch Act resources, including a “Let’s Talk Politics!” fact sheet. Employees who have questions can contact their local field law office or send an email to ethics.help@usps.gov.