School Committee Will Explain Public Comment Policy

Following some outbursts at the September 26 Seekonk School Committee meeting, there will be “an overview of the district’s policy in regard to public participation” at the beginning of the next meeting, says Superintendent Rich Drolet.

There is a Public Comment period at the beginning and end of every School Committee meeting where anyone can address the Committee members. “During a Public Comment portion of our most recent School Committee meeting, a person speaking ran out of their allotted time and, per meeting policy, was asked to stop,” Drolet explained. “The person continued to speak and was asked repeatedly to give the floor back to the Committee.”

“As this was unfolding, another individual attending the meeting began yelling and disrupting the meeting further. Because of this individual’s actions, the School Committee meeting needed to be recessed and the screaming individual was removed from the meeting by police.”

Drolet said as a result of this incident, and other similar outbursts and inappropriate behavior by a small group of individuals at recent meetings, there will be a police officer in attendance out of an abundance of caution at future School Committee meetings. 

Some speakers have voiced their concerns about certain books being made available to elementary students at Aitken and Martin schools.  “This type of behavior during a municipal meeting is unacceptable,” Drolet continued. “While we might not always agree with the topics that are brought up, we respect everyone’s right to free speech, so long as they are respectful and appropriate and the topics are within the purview of the School Committee.”

“There have been times recently where hateful and offensive homophobic and transphobic comments have been made during this public comment period. This will not be tolerated, and I want to reiterate that we strive to be inclusive and supportive of ALL students and staff in Seekonk,” Drolet added.