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School board adopts statement affirming dignity and rights of LGBT community after hateful public comment
Summary
After a lengthy public-comment period that included a speaker using anti-LGBT language, the New Hanover County Schools Board of Education added and approved a statement saying the district affirms the dignity and rights of LGBT students and staff; board action passed unanimously.
The New Hanover County Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a board statement Tuesday reaffirming the district's commitment to a safe, welcoming environment for all students and staff after a public commenter used anti-LGBT language during the call to audience. The motion to add the statement to the agenda and the statement itself were approved by roll-call votes of 7–0.
The vote followed public discussion about whether the board could lawfully stop a speaker from addressing the board. Several board attorneys cautioned that, absent a direct threat or other narrowly defined legal basis, removing or silencing a speaker can raise First Amendment problems. Board member David Perry moved to amend the agenda to allow the board to make a shared statement; the motion was seconded and the board approved placing the item under New Business and then approved the statement.
The board's final text read that the board "reaffirms our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students and staff" and stated that the commentary made by the evening's speaker "does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of the board and the district." The board voted 7–0 to adopt the statement.
Board members who spoke in support of the motion framed it as a way to separate the board's official stance from the remarks made during public comment and as a public reassurance to students and staff. Board attorneys who addressed the meeting urged caution about suppressing speech, saying the legal standard to stop a speaker is narrow and that the board's best remedy is to make counterstatements.
The action came after several public commenters criticized the hateful remarks during the meeting’s call-to-audience period and urged the board to make an affirmation. Board members said the statement was intended to provide immediate public reassurance; the board did not adopt additional policy changes at that time.
The vote was recorded by roll call and passed unanimously. The board then moved on to other agenda items.
