Several local school districts have policies that forbid people from criticizing individuals during the public comment part of their meetings (excerpts below)
The Colorado Press Association and the local ACLU are raising First Amendment questions. Where does this question stand constitutionally? Linda Seebach editorial writer, Rocky Mountain News, Denver 303-892-2519 Policies on complaining about individuals during public hearings (from three of the state's five largest school districts): Denver Public Schools "It will not be deemed appropriate for public hearings to be utilized by citizens to air grievances about individuals. The District has an internal procedure for airing these concerns, which ultimately provides an appeal to the Superintendent. ... Any citizen attempting to utilize a public forum for such purposes will be ruled out of order and asked to present their concern to the Superintendent." "Under no circumstances, however, will the Board of Education tolerate ... direct criticism of any individual. ... Individuals violating these norms of appropriate behavior will be deemed to have forfeited their right to speak at the Public Hearing... ." Douglas County School District "Speakers may offer such criticisms of school operations and programs as concern them, but the Board will not hear personal complaints against District personnel while in public session." Jefferson County Schools "Complaints involving the reputation of any person connected with the district will not be heard by the board while sitting in public session."
