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Youth Link invites board to Gumbo Night; board rebukes hateful public comment
Summary
Youth Link members invited board members to an Oct. 22 Gumbo Night at Crossroads Community Center; a later public commenter used hateful and inflammatory language and the board said it does not condone such speech while respecting First Amendment rights.
Youth Link board members invited the Parks and Community Services Board to their annual Youth Link Gumbo Night on Oct. 22 at the Crossroads Community Center, an event Youth Link says fosters dialogue between youth and community leaders.
“My name is Pari Ralph. I’m one of the Youth Link board members for Bellevue,” Pari said during public comment, and invited board members to the Oct. 22 event that includes food and conversation with elected officials.
Later in the public-comment period a separate attendee identified in the sign-in as Alex Zimmerman delivered a profane and inflammatory statement criticizing city rules and officials. The commenter repeatedly used inflammatory language about the city and its officials. The board responded by noting its commitment to First Amendment protections while stating it does not condone hateful or offensive speech.
“While we would prefer people refrain from making these type of comment, the board respects individuals’ First Amendment free speech rights,” the chair said after the comment period concluded.
The board closed oral communications and proceeded with its agenda.
