Cobb County Schools Halt Public Comment Broadcasts

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The Cobb County School Board will no longer broadcast public comments during its meetings, with the majority of board members citing concerns about online ridicule by those who disagree with a citizen’s comment. 

“I have personally heard from citizens, including parents, who would like to engage in public comment with the Board and don’t, because they do not want to be subjected to internet ridicule, abuse, or doxxing,” said Supt. Chris Ragsdale. “Some people are just camera-shy and do not sign up to speak because they do not wish to appear in a broadcast.”

The board won’t change anything else about the format for public comments at both its afternoon and evening sessions, Ragsdale said. 

The proposal passed by a vote of 4-3 on Thursday night. 

Critics argue that the new policy restricts free speech and silences critics of board policies, which Ragsdale called “ridiculous.”

“If we were trying to do as the naysayers accuse us of and limit [public comment], we would certainly not have two separate public comment sessions,” Ragsdale said. “As I mentioned, we’re going above and beyond. We don’t have to. The law requires you to have one (public comment session) per meeting, and we have two.”

Ragsdale said most school districts in Georgia do not broadcast public comments. 

These changes allow our Board meetings to be more efficient and more focused on the business of students, teachers, and our schools. They will resolve risks that the District faces when it broadcasts public comments. This will also hopefully encourage others who want to share their concerns directly with the board and superintendent to participate.”