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State Board debates limits and disclaimers for members’ outside legislative testimony
Summary
Board members debated whether individual board members should testify or send communications on education bills without disclaimers, with Attorney General guidance referenced and a requirement emphasized that written communications include a disclaimer noting views are personal. The exchange grew heated, with mutual accusations about changing long-standing norms.
At its March 7 meeting, the State Board of Education debated whether board members may testify or otherwise publicly oppose education legislation without a clear disclaimer that they are speaking as individuals, not for the board.
Board member Neri opened the item by saying the Attorney General advised members that their freedom of speech remains intact but that they should make it clear when they are not speaking for the board. Neri referenced board operating policy 1.03 and encouraged members to add a disclaimer to written communications.
Board member Deborah Neary said she was raising the…
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