The New England First Amendment Coalition called on officials in Rochester, New Hampshire, today to reaffirm the right of School Board members to independently use social media.
During an April 9 meeting, School Board Chair Matthew Pappas advised those on the board to refrain from using social media to discuss “board business.”
“We understand that this directive may have been intended to encourage board members to engage responsibly on social media and may not reflect the Rochester School Board’s official policy,” NEFAC wrote to Pappas in a June 30 letter. “Nevertheless, it may be viewed as limiting individual board members’ free speech when communicating in their own personal, independent capacity.”
The First Amendment protects a public employee’s right to speak as a private citizen when addressing matters of public concern so long as that right doesn’t outweigh the state’s interest, as employer, in promoting efficient public services, NEFAC explained.
“Asking school board members not to comment, as private citizens, on matters of public concern could deprive the entire Rochester community of their informed opinions,” the coalition wrote. “The First Amendment protections at play are even stronger in this case considering board members are not public employees but rather elected public officials or volunteers.”
NEFAC is the region’s leading advocate for the First Amendment and the public’s right to know about government. You can read all the coalition’s briefs and advocacy letters here.
NEFAC is the region’s leading defender of the First Amendment and open government. The coalition began in 2006 to advance and protect the five freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society.
Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Please make a donation here.
NEFAC appreciates the support of all its donors and contributors. In particular, we would like to recognize the Estate of Gloria L. Negri, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the following Leadership Circle donors: Rhode Island Foundation, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, The Harbus Foundation, Boston University and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work include Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Gravel & Shea PC, the Academy of New England Journalists, and Truro News.