ACLU of Louisiana Condemns Proposal to Restrict Free Speech at Jefferson School Board Meetings
NEW ORLEANS — The ACLU of Louisiana sent an open letter to the Jefferson Parish School Board yesterday, concerning a proposed measure which would restrict public comments at meetings. The proposal seeks to prohibit “political and/or election comments” as “disruptive, inflammatory, self-promoting, threatening and/or interferes with” Board business.
“Political comments by the public at a public meeting of a public body are a hallmark of American democracy,” said Jane Johnson, ACLU of Louisiana interim Executive Director. “This proposal to ban political comments by members of the public at school board meetings is an unlawful, unconstitutional, and unnecessary affront to the freedom of speech and the rights of Jefferson Parish citizens. We urge the Board to reject this unlawful policy.”
A copy of the letter to JPSB is online here: https://www.laaclu.org/sites/default/files/2018_jefferson_parish_school_board_public_comment.pdf
Stay Informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The Latest in Free Speech
-
Sasha Colby Is Winning in More Ways Than One
-
Southern Utah Drag Stars File Lawsuit Challenging the City of St. George’s Censorship of Drag Performances
-
ACLU Commends Supreme Court Decisions Allowing Free Speech Online to Flourish
-
ACLU Slams Montana's Unconstitutional TikTok Ban as Governor Signs Law
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About Free Speech

Protecting free speech means protecting a free press, the democratic process, diversity of thought, and so much more. The ACLU has worked since 1920 to ensure that freedom of speech is protected for everyone.