Combative, hostile, and sometimes even violent school board meetings are all over the news these days. School board members increasingly face displeased parents and other community members who want to share their views and opinions on controversial and difficult topics. Although a respectful exchange of ideas is the very goal of public participation, this noble objective seems more out of reach today than ever. How can school boards limit aggressive and inappropriate speakers while respecting the First Amendment rights of participants? What important steps can the board take in advance of meetings to assist in maintaining respectful decorum? What is viewpoint discrimination and how can it be avoided? Join Lisa, Sara, and Miriam for a closer look at how school boards can plan for and proactively address public meetings during these contentious times.

Previous seasons of this podcast, including Season One, are available at https://www.walterhav.com/podcasts-index/

We practice law, including special education law, at Walter Haverfield in Cleveland, Ohio, and we welcome your suggestions and comments. Please check us out at:

https://www.walterhav.com/professional/sara-g-katz/

https://www.walterhav.com/professional/lisa-h-woloszynek/

https://www.walterhav.com/professional/miriam-m-pearlmutter/