Syracuse University's Institute for Democracy, Journalism & Citizenship, led by Margaret Talev, participated in a focus group alongside Engagious, Sago, and NBC News. The study gathered perspectives from Black Trump supporters, exploring their political disillusionment and views on the Democratic Party.

An OpenSecrets profile reported that Syracuse University recorded $252,428 in political contributions and $320,000 in lobbying expenditures during the 2024 cycle. The profile also highlights a revolving door dynamic with a notable proportion of lobbyists having previously held government positions, suggesting an active engagement in political processes.

Dr. Jay Golden, Director of Syracuse University’s Dynamic Sustainability Lab, participated in a field study conducted in Thailand and Malaysia to highlight best practices for preventing forced labor in global supply chains. The study, detailed in a Reuters article published on October 23, 2024, emphasizes the importance of ethical supply chain management, transparency, and robust labor rights practices, and calls for collective action by governments, companies, consumers, and workers.

On December 1, 2023, faculty leaders and students publicly criticized Syracuse University's administration for canceling an educational event on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and suppressing pro-Palestinian discussions during a forum on academic freedom.

Syracuse University initiated an investigation after a speaker at a pro-Palestinian rally made anti-Semitic remarks by singling out Jewish student organizations, leading officials to describe the statements as reckless and to increase campus security measures. The university is working with the FBI and monitoring additional bias complaints.

Syracuse University released a statement investigating incendiary and antisemitic remarks made during an on-campus demonstration, where speakers targeted Jewish student organizations by accusing them of complicity in genocide. The university is actively reviewing bias complaints and has increased campus safety measures to protect its community.

Syracuse University's Office of Government and Community Relations coordinates the University's government relations activities at federal, state, and local levels. The office serves as the designated point of contact for government officials, ensuring compliance with lobbying laws while advancing the University's institutional priorities.

Syracuse University released a memorandum providing detailed guidance to faculty, staff, and administrators on engaging in political discourse, interactions with government officials, and lobbying activities. The memo underscores the institution’s obligation as a 501(c)(3) organization to refrain from partisan political activities while still engaging in necessary government relations. It emphasizes the separation between individual political expression and the university’s stance, ensuring that resources and communications with public officials are handled appropriately.

Syracuse University spent $320,000 on lobbying activities in 2023, as reported by OpenSecrets. The expenditure highlights the university's active engagement in influencing public policy.

Syracuse University has been listed as a member of the Fair Labor Association's University Caucus, demonstrating its commitment to fair labor practices, a living wage, and supply chain transparency.