Mansfield Adopts Social Media Policy

MANSFIELD, MA — Town employees now have a new social media policy to adhere to, following Wednesday's selectmen meeting.

The board voted 4-1 to adopt the policy, with Selectman Steve Schoonveld casting the lone no vote against the nine-page document.

"I don’t think we should be passing anything that’s a living document that’s not ready for prime time," he said.

Originally, the policy was written for all town employees, volunteer, board members, and anyone with a contract with the town, but Selectman Michael Trowbridge later amended the policy specifically for town employees.

Under the new policy, town employees cannot comment on town business unless it is on town-operated social media. They also can't "feed the rumor mill" and respond with "no comment" to rumors, the Sun Chronicle reported.

Workers also must make is clear when they are speaking for the town and speaking for themselves.

Personal accounts outside of work are acceptable, but it must not be used in a manner that would make a person believe that the content is on behalf of the town.

Failure to comply with the policy would result in termination.

Image: File photo