The Lacey Township Board of Education is planning to place limits on the ability of members of the public to speak out at school board meetings. This is an unacceptable attack on public participation following discussions at recent school board meetings,and if approved, will silence legitimate concerns from the public and make it even harder for residents to bring their concerns to the board.

At recent school board meetings, residents have been talked down to, gaveled and belittled for speaking out about their concerns about the school district and the board's governance.

The board's response to the numerous concerns that have been brought forth by the public has been to consider placing limits on the amount of time individuals can address the board from the podium. The board has never before placed limits on comments from the public, making this proposal a direct attack on democracy and the ability of residents to speak out.

Lacey school board meetings should be open opportunities for parents, residents, staff and other stakeholders from the community to freely speak out without being interrupted. Placing time limits on members of the public will only serve to shut down important discussions about their concerns regarding the future of Lacey schools.

Tell the Lacey school board that the public will not be silenced at public meetings. Sign our petition and send a powerful message to your elected officials.