Evans calls for Board to rescind unconstitutional gag order

By John Lee Evans, Ph.D.

Evans calls for Board to rescind gag order and Board responds

When speaking to the press or otherwise publicly sharing personal opinions, members will respect the decisions of the Board and will not undermine those decisions.

Members will not publicly express individual negative judgments about superintendent or staff performance. Any such judgment of superintendent or staff performance will be discussed in executive session. (Board Governance Policies GC-7)

The policy further goes on to impose sanctions on board members who violate this policy, including removal from leadership positions and public censure. (GC-9).

We must not stifle dissent. There are times when it is absolutely necessary and the above statements have a totalitarian ring to them. Any high school civics student should be able to tell you that it is illegal and unconstitutional to muzzle public officials. We must demand an end to decision-making behind closed doors.

UPDATE: Board Reverses Itself on Gag Order

October 15, 2008

In response to criticism from myself and others the San Diego School Board has rescinded the gag order.

We need Board members who get it right the first time.