Local readers group urges Columbia County to revise public-assembly insurance and clarify library signage rules

Karen Parham, CEO of the Freedom to Read Coalition of Columbia County, spoke during public comment on June 17 to urge the county to revise its public-assembly permit insurance minimums and to clarify how the county and library treat peaceful demonstrations.

Parham said the county's current insurance minimums — $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate — can be a barrier for small demonstrations and that the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia has advised many municipalities to reassess high insurance requirements because they can deter First Amendment activity. “For a small group of people waving signs, this feels excessive,” she said.

Parham asked the county to distinguish between parade- and street-fair-style permits and small, peaceful demonstrations that do not block roads or pedestrian access. She said her group had used a small canopy tent as a basic command post for water and first aid and sought clarification on whether tent use and handheld loudspeakers require higher insurance or different conditions.

She also raised concerns that library staff were told to call police if someone carried a sign into the building, and asked whether the county has a clear policy on signs in library spaces. Parham praised county liaison Anthony Sweat for his assistance but requested that a deputy be present at future regional and county library board meetings to deter threats; she provided staff with copies of hostile online comments and threats she said members had received.

No formal board action was recorded; Parham said she would share the ACLU First Amendment Council contact information with county staff for follow-up.