….says the Grand Wizard of the Alpena Public School Board, Eric Lawson. It appears as though he really doesn’t want to hear from the public. In September he created an extensive list of what could be said at school board meetings and what was prohibited, including clapping. Lawson even had deputies at the board meetings to forcibly remove anyone who might clap. It would be interesting to know what those deputies thought about Lawson misusing their time and training in this manner. Using our law enforcement officers to threaten and intimidate the public is alarming behavior.

When Lawson was informed that much of his new dictates violated First Amendment Rights he had to rescind the clapping ban and, perhaps in retaliation, then decided to eliminate one of the public comment times. What followed was a whole new list of violations that could result in people being forcibly removed from meetings such as, “disorderly speech.” Whatever that means.

But of biggest concern is this new sledgehammer threat:

“We caution all speakers that it is possible that your statements could violate the rights of others under various laws including laws protecting privacy and laws prohibiting defamation.” Lawson went on to say, “If you are unsure of the legal effect of your remarks you should seek independent legal advice.”

It appears the new avenue for intimidation is to threaten people with a defamation lawsuit if he doesn’t like what speakers say. The problem for Lawson is a defamation claim is only remotely possible if speakers are knowingly untruthful in describing his actions, words or behavior.

Only a terribly insecure person would behave in this manner. You would think we’re talking about a mob boss of some sort. But, no, this is the President of the Alpena Public School Board of Education.

Linda Ayres

Alpena