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NHCS committee tightens public-comment rules to discourage personal attacks, adds options for board members to step aside
Summary
Committee revised a decorum policy to prohibit shouting, harassment and personal attacks, to direct public remarks to the board chair rather than individual members, and to note that a board member may excuse themselves if targeted.
The New Hanover County Schools policy committee on Sept. 11 voted to send amended courtesy-and-civility language to the full board that narrows the scope of permissible public comment and clarifies procedures for enforcement. Committee discussion centered on balancing First Amendment protections for speakers with the board's need to maintain orderly meetings. Members reviewed case law cited by staff (the meeting referenced "Davidson v. Rose" and the Loudoun County policy decision) and legal guidance that supports narrowly…
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