The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board has changed its policy regarding public comments at meetings. The move came after the Goldwater Institute raised First Amendment concerns.
In April, the conservative thinktank sent a letter to the district urging board members to change a policy that banned “personal attacks on board members, staff, students, or members of the public.”
During a discussion at the board’s most recent meeting, board member Marcie Hutchinson said she still had concerns about protecting students.
“But I’m hoping that the norms of this community will make sure that people refrain from particularly attacking students," Hutchinson said.
Board President Courtney Davis said they never intended to censor people.
“There are many avenues that we are open to hearing," Davis said. "I go to lots of ball games and lots of plays and I talk to lots of people and I hear lots of thoughts and comments and so I don’t think that any of us are wanting to not hear from our constituents and our families.”
The new policy permits public comment without regard to viewpoint, including criticism, praise or neutral observations concerning matters within its jurisdiction.
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Court records show the judge in the case has denied the schools’ request for a preliminary injunction, saying they failed to prove the fees would cause them irreparable harm. -
Two flight schools are suing Mesa in federal court over the city’s implementation of landing fees at Falcon Field airport. The suit alleges the city acted illegally to implement the fees. -
Under Arizona law, it is a misdemeanor to knowingly remove, alter, deface or cover political signs unless you’re an authorized representative for the campaign, private property owner or government. -
Police are continuing to investigate the death of a man with developmental disabilities who was found inside a vehicle parked outside a Mesa adult care facility. -
The Mesa Police Department confirmed 36-year-old Lorenzo Lopez was found inside a vehicle on Thursday at ITC Personal In-Home Care facility, which also goes by the name Pathways for Life.
