The updated policy strictly enforces a six-minute time limit for speakers, implements a code of conduct and more.
LACEY, NJ — A new set of rules for public comment are being proposed by the Lacey Township Board of Education, including time limits, a code of conduct and more.
“Any violation of the code may be an immediate termination of the speaker, removal from the meeting by law enforcement, and in repeated cases, the board may consider limiting the rights to attend in the future,” Board President Kim Klaus said before the updated policy was officially introduced at a recent meeting. That was its first reading; it will need a second reading before it can be adopted.
It updates the previous public comment policy with several new additions. Speakers will be restricted to a six-minute time period, and are only allowed to speak once during the public comment period. The total public comment period is limited to one hour, and at the beginning, the board president may decrease the time allotted for each speaker if it would exceed that period.
The policy notes that all comments must be directed to the board president and should only directly relate to the school district. Comments that are prohibited by the First Amendment – those that constitute a “true threat,” incite imminent lawless action and are legally obscene, defamatory speech and campaigning for or against politicians or ballot measures – will not be allowed.
It also creates a “code of conduct” for participants which reads as follows:
a. All members of the public shall maintain decorum and respect for the orderly conduct of the meeting.
b. Irrelevant and repetitious comments and disruptive conduct are prohibited. Disruptive conduct includes, but is not limited to: shouting, making threatening gestures, speaking out of turn, refusing to yield the floor at the conclusion of allotted time, or otherwise physically impeding the orderly progression of the meeting.
c. No distribution of literature, materials, written statements or other items is permitted during the meeting. Any materials intended for Board consideration must be provided in advance to the Board Secretary prior to the commencement of the meeting. Materials submitted after that time shall not be distributed. No member of the public may place any item, document, material on the dais without permission of the Board President.
The next regular school board meeting is set for Oct. 16.