I've only ever locked my bike in secure locations, such as bike lockup that requires ID access and wouldn't feel comfortable leaving any bike outside where it is accessible to the general public. Even if you lock up your bike securely there are plenty of idiots out there that could steal your seatpost.
I'd fight for your right, I fail to see how a locked up bike looks bad. Any possibility of locking it up inside or in your office? I know when I was at uni I wasn't allowed to keep it in my lab due to health and safety issues but when I got a job for a private company I ensured I could keep my bike in the building at the interview, always helps when your boss rides to work as well.