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Public backlash over decorum resolution after speaker removed during anthem; counsel defends rules as standard
Summary
A reorganization-era decorum resolution restricting singing, dancing and 'offensive' remarks drew sustained public criticism at Planefield's council meeting after a speaker was asked to leave during the public-comment period; the corporation counsel defended the rule as a historically used, content-neutral decorum policy.
Planefield — A new reorganization resolution that sets rules of decorum at council meetings became the center of debate during public comment after at least one speaker was admonished and removed following an interruption of the national anthem.
During general comment, activist Leroy Truth criticized the council’s resolution, saying it "unconstitutionally banned singing, rapping, dancing, silence, and the criticism of you." The presiding officer directed the speaker to stop after he continued past his allotted time, and an officer was asked to remove the individual for disruptive conduct. Several members of the public responded vocally, some calling the removal an overreach and others supporting the council’s need to run an orderly meeting.
Corporation Counsel later addressed the council and the public, saying rules of decorum are standard practice at reorganization meetings and that enforcement in this case amounted to non-content-based time and manner restrictions intended to preserve the council’s ability to conduct business and allow others to speak. Counsel stated that previous council presidents had the same authority and that these measures are not a new form of content-based censorship.
Multiple remote callers and in-person residents urged clarification on how the rules will be applied, citing First Amendment concerns and past litigation in other municipalities. Several callers asked the city to rescind or revise the resolution to remove vague language such as prohibiting "offensive" remarks and banning silence and singing. Council members and counsel said they would stand by procedural rules designed to balance open comment and orderly meetings, and the mayor’s office and clerk indicated the city will publish guidance and consider outreach to explain enforcement practices.
