Can the public be allowed to speak at a public special meeting? We recently had a special meeting to discuss nursing students and vaccine mandate policy. Approximately 15 nurses showed up, but none were allowed to speak. Our general meetings always have a public speaking section near the beginning. The Chair said public speaking was NOT allowed because it is not allowed by Roberts rules at a special meeting. I would argue that the chair could allow it. They published (email) the meeting agenda without a public speaking line item. I asked for it to be added and was denied. I simply want to know if the public could be allowed to speak at such a meeting if the chair or a majority of the board so wished…
thank you