Social Media Terms of Use
This policy is intended to provide clear guidelines for the responsible use of social media by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and its community members. By engaging with our social media platforms, users agree to adhere to the terms outlined herein.
1. Mission/Purpose
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is dedicated to acquiring, preserving, protecting, and restoring natural resources in DuPage County while providing opportunities for people to connect with nature.
Our social media platforms serve to enhance communication with the public, disseminate information about our programs and initiatives, and foster a community engaged in environmental stewardship.
2. Definitions
• Social Media: Internet-based platforms that facilitate the creation and sharing of content, information, and ideas through virtual communities and networks.
• Administrator: An authorized employee or representative responsible for managing and monitoring the District’s social media accounts.
• User-Generated Content (UGC): Content created and shared by individuals who interact with the District’s social media platforms, including comments, posts, and multimedia.
3. Account Approval
The creation of new social media accounts representing the District must align with the District’s mission and communications objectives and requires prior approval from the Executive Director.
4. Administrators
Designated administrators are responsible for the oversight and management of the District’s social media accounts. While administrators will monitor content to ensure compliance with this policy, continuous 24/7 monitoring is not feasible. Administrators will review and respond to activity during regular business hours and as necessary to address urgent issues.
5. First Amendment
As a government entity, the District acknowledges its obligation to uphold the First Amendment rights of individuals. User comments on our social media platforms may constitute protected free speech. However, the District reserves the right to moderate content in accordance with this policy to maintain a respectful and informative environment.
District employees participating in comment threads or discussions on official pages must do so in accordance with the Employee Social Media Policy and District’s policies, and are not authorized spokespersons unless expressly designated.
6. Disclaimer
User-generated content on the District’s social media platforms does not reflect the opinions or positions of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, its employees, or affiliates. The District does not endorse any external comments, statements, or opinions expressed by users.
7. Comment Rules
To maintain a constructive and respectful environment, the following types of content are prohibited on the District’s social media platforms:
• Obscene, explicit, or profane language or content.
• Personal attacks, insults, or threatening language.
• Private or personal information published without consent.
• Commercial promotions, advertisements, or spam.
• Off-topic comments or links to unrelated content.
• Bullying or harassment.
• Discriminatory comments based on race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or identity.
These guidelines are designed to ensure a respectful and inclusive environment for all users.
8. Use of District Materials or Branding
Unauthorized use of District trademarks, logos or likeness is prohibited.
9. Enforcement
The District reserves the right to remove any content that violates this policy without prior notice. Repeated violations may result in the user being blocked or banned from the District’s social media platforms. All actions taken will be documented and retained in accordance with the District’s records retention policies.
Violations of this policy by individuals employed by the District may also be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Employee Social Media Policy.
10. Privacy
Users should be aware that their comments and interactions on the District’s social media platforms are public and may be viewed by anyone. Users are discouraged from sharing personal or sensitive information. The District is not responsible for the privacy or security of information posted by users.
11. Records Retention
Content posted on the District’s social media platforms, including user comments and messages, may be subject to public records laws and retained accordingly. The District will manage these records in compliance with applicable records retention schedules and policies.
Last updated May 8, 2025