The State Department won't let diplomats take the ice bucket challenge

The ice bucket challenge is a social media behemoth that seemingly has everyone dumping cold water on their heads to raise money and awareness for ALS. One group of people who will not be joining in on the fundraising gimmick: America's top diplomats.

The State Department's lawyers have banned U.S. ambassadors and other high-ranking officials from participating lest they violate ethics rules, according to a cable obtained the Associated Press.

"There are firmly established rules preventing the use of public office, such as our ambassadors, for private gain, no matter how worthy a cause," the cable said. "Thus, high-ranking State Department officials are unfortunately unable to participate in the ice bucket challenge. We sincerely wish the ALS Association continued success in its ice bucket campaign, and in its fight against Lou Gehrig's disease."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up