Greensboro mayor proposes rule change to limit disruptions at city meetings

Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan is proposing a new approach to public comment at city meetings to limit disruptions.

At a city council work session last week, Vaughan presented a rule change where a speaker removed for being disruptive would not be allowed to attend the next three meetings in person. The proposal comes after a number of disruptions, she said.

"We would always give people a way they can take part in the meetings, whether it's by Zoom, or by phone or by email," Vaughan said. "People have a right to free speech, but they don't have a right to disrupt meetings."

A repeat offender could receive a six-month ban from attending meetings in person, she said.

Councilwoman Sharon Hightower said officials should be careful not to infringe on anyone's rights. Any new rule will need to be fairly applied, she said.

In an interview Monday, Vaughan said no further action or vote is required for the change. But she wanted input from council members.

Vaughan will present this change at the beginning of the city council meeting on July 11.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify Mayor Vaughan's comments on city council approval.