As a community member who values open dialogue, I am deeply concerned about the increasingly unwelcoming atmosphere at our school board meetings.

Each meeting’s public comment period begins with a lengthy 2-minute, 16-second lecture from the board president detailing what can and cannot be said during the mere three minutes allotted to each speaker. The tone is far from inviting.

While he insists that speakers must “model respect, maturity, and the best adult behavior for our children and community,” the remarks are laced with warnings, threats of removal by law enforcement and, most recently, cautions about potential defamation.

The new statement warns that “words have impact” and that speakers are solely responsible for their comments, even suggesting that individuals seek legal advice before speaking. This heavy-handed approach does not encourage community engagement; it intimidates and silences voices.

One of the pillars of our district’s Strategic Plan is Family and Community Partnership, which aims to build and strengthen trusting relationships with families and the community. But how can trust be built when the very act of speaking to the board feels risky and unwelcome?

The board’s job is to listen to all stakeholders during public comment time, not to discourage participation through legal threats or procedural barriers. First, applause was prohibited. Then, one public comment period was removed, restricting opportunities to speak.

Now, warnings about defamation laws are being added.

How many more barriers will be put in place to make speaking at a board meeting more intimidating?

It’s time for the board to return its focus to what truly matters; improving student achievement and fostering genuine community engagement, instead of finding new ways to restrict free speech and discourage the very voices they are elected to hear.

Vicky Lindsay

Alpena