Yes yes, they are likely 99% behind Obama and McCain would probably applaud the move. This election is a bucket of suck.

Update I was thinking of the issue as a violation of the profs 1st amendment rights but a teacher emails me that these rules are in place to avoid second order effects on students' rights:

It is highly likely that, as professors at a state university, they are considered "agents of the government" much like public school teachers (me) are. Case law regarding public high school teachers stipulates that our first amendment rights are NOT protected in the classroom; I can't wear an Obama/McCain pin any more than the Illinois faculty can (nor am I technically allowed to inform my student what religion I practice, by wearing a cross/star of David, and the list goes on.) My kids know I'm [religion here], and no one freaks out if someone wears a [symbol here], but we were sent an email the other day regarding the limits of "political activity" [real or implied] while in school or at school events.

1 week later The university has overturned the ban. This is good for Obama and the Constitution. Two words that I'd never thought I'd say in the same space.