During a June 12 meeting of the Tonganoxie USD 464 school board, members of the public were made aware of the following policy: "Individuals may not publicly address the board concerning matters relating to named individuals or students."
The ACLU of Kansas is gravely concerned that this policy is a violation of the First Amendment, which grants people the right to criticize both elected officials and other public servants. Further troubling, the policy prevents members of the public from commenting on the stewardship of public officials that are entrusted with key responsibilities for carrying out the functions of an institution as important as a public school district. On June 23, Doug Bonney, chief counsel and legal director of the ACLU of Kansas, sent a letter to Michelle McGhee, school board president, outlining these concerns and urging the board to reconsider the policy.