OpenSecrets' profile for California Institute of Technology reveals that in the 2024 cycle, Caltech contributed approximately $311,794 and engaged in lobbying with expenditures of around $240,000. The report also highlights a revolving door phenomenon, with several lobbyists having previously held government positions, raising concerns about potential undue influence on policymaking.

Graduate student workers and postdoctoral scholars at Caltech voted to unionize in two separate bargaining units, representing around 2,000 employees. This move is a significant step towards stronger worker protections and improved labor practices in the academic environment.

On December 1, 2023, Caltech leadership communicated with the campus community through two letters addressing unionization efforts by graduate students and postdocs. The letters indicated that while the Institute supports worker voice by promoting a fair, NLRB-supervised secret ballot process, it will not recognize union representation based solely on a petition. This message underscores an acknowledgment of labor rights and democratic representation in the workplace.

A National Labor Relations Board case outlines the certification process for a union representing graduate researchers and postdoctoral scholars at Caltech, potentially enhancing labor rights and worker representation at the institution.

Graduate students and postdocs at Caltech have kicked off a unionization drive, collecting over 450 union cards in support of forming a union. The administration has pledged to negotiate in good faith under the National Labor Relations Act, aiming to improve wages, healthcare, and workplace protections. This effort is seen as a progressive move toward strengthening labor rights and addressing issues of harassment and discrimination.

On March 8, 2023, Caltech Provost David A. Tirrell issued an internal message to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars cautioning against unionization. The message argued that unionization could fundamentally alter the personalized approach of Caltech’s academic training and disrupt direct, individualized faculty relationships, potentially imposing uniform conditions such as union dues and work stoppages.

On October 7, 2020, Caltech released a statement outlining the guidelines for political activities among its community members. The document clarifies that while individual expression of political views is permitted, using Caltech resources, official logos, or institutional channels to support political campaigns is prohibited. This policy helps ensure that political engagements remain personal, thereby upholding the institution's legal obligations as a tax-exempt educational organization and protecting its diverse community from partisan influence.

On October 6, 2020, Caltech updated its political activities guidelines. The document outlines strict restrictions on using Caltech resources to endorse or support political candidates and outlines limited, regulated lobbying activities. These measures help maintain the institution's tax-exempt, non-partisan status and minimize the risk of being drawn into partisan or authoritarian political endeavors.