Speaker asks commissioners for records on prior directive about using religious language at meetings

During the public-comment period at the Sept. 2 meeting, Ray Griffin of 1981 Streets Ferry Road asked the board for documentation and a history of a directive he said prohibited saying the name "Jesus" in county meetings. Griffin asked for the source of the directive, who issued or signed it, its effective dates and whether it applied only to Craven County. He also asked the board to provide the information so he could share it with others and pursue appropriate remedies.

Griffin referenced a prior instance several years ago in which the board's prior action on the topic was overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and asked the commissioners to investigate and produce records. No board action on Griffin's request was taken during the meeting; the item was a public comment and not an agenda item.

Why it matters: Public commenters sought documentation and clarification of county rules or directives they believe affect religious speech at county meetings. The board did not take formal action during the meeting on the request.

Details and next steps: The speaker asked for copies and dates and for the board to identify the origin of the directive; the board did not respond with a timeline or commit to producing documents during the meeting.