Orange County NC Website
23 <br /> not say when the right time is. He said that 100 years ago, the Board would have all looked like <br /> him and that changed because of protests. He said that it needs to be addressed tonight. He <br /> said that while it may not be overly aggressive, it creates a slippery slope. He said that he <br /> thinks they should kill the ordinance tonight. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton said she supports delaying this. She thinks it would need a <br /> second reading to go over the substantial changes. She said that the intent in her mind was not <br /> to stifle parents and it was to protect students. She said getting the input from the new school <br /> board will be good in the time they are waiting. She said there is a place that people protest in <br /> Chapel Hill and that is a place that invites people to come and say what they want. She said <br /> that there are a lot of protests and demonstrations that people get permits for. She said they <br /> can support free speech and the rights of parents to advocate for their children and protect the <br /> environment for all students. <br /> Commissioner Greene read the email from the County Attorney. She said that this is a <br /> second reading with different language. She said that is what is on the table but that is not what <br /> was in the packet. She said there is a lot of confusion here about what the Board might be <br /> doing. She said she does not think there is evidence, but it could come back more clearly so <br /> they can have a debate about what it is. <br /> Chair Price said the school board not listening to the parents is unacceptable. She said <br /> that she hopes with the new board, it may be different. She said if not, come back to them and <br /> they can try to do something. She said that parents should be in the schools as they feel they <br /> should be. She said that many years ago she tutored in the schools and was astounded by how <br /> many parents didn't even come to pick their child up after school. <br /> Commissioner McKee made a motion to reject the County Manager's recommendation <br /> and take no further action on this item. <br /> The motion died for lack of a second. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, to <br /> delay the discussion of the ordinance to a business meeting in October 2022. <br /> Commissioner Richards asked if it was possible to specify in the ordinance while <br /> children are present. <br /> John Roberts said that it was included. <br /> Commissioner Richards said she read it and it does not say when students are present. <br /> John Roberts said it applies only during school hours or school activities during which <br /> students are present on school property for educational, athletic, or school-sponsored <br /> extracurricular activities. <br /> Commissioner Richards said that has to stay in there and be clear. <br /> Chair Price said the motion on the floor was to delay discussion of the ordinance to <br /> October. <br /> Commissioner Richards asked if when it comes back in October if that will be the first or <br /> second reading. <br /> John Roberts said that if the changes were more restrictive, it would have to come back <br /> for a first and second reading. He said that the proposed changes were less restrictive. He said <br /> that as a policy matter, it doesn't have to come back for a second reading. He said the statute <br /> that was passed last year says a first reading and then the next regular meeting, so for that <br /> reason, it will come back for a first and second reading. <br /> Chair Price said it will come back as a new ordinance in the fall, at which time the Board <br /> could get input from other school board members and parents. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked why the delay until October. <br />