During a recent school board meeting in Penrith, discussions centered around public comment protocols and the controversial removal of a book from the high school library. The meeting began with a reminder from the board chair about the importance of respectful discourse during public comments, highlighting past instances of inappropriate behavior, including profanity and name-calling. The chair emphasized the board's commitment to treating the public with respect and urged attendees to reciprocate, noting that children are present during these discussions.

The first public commenter, Shannon Harris from Hilltown Township, expressed gratitude for the board's decision to remove the book \"Blue is the Warmest Color\" from the library, which she described as containing inappropriate content. Harris framed the removal as a protective measure for children rather than a book ban, and she raised concerns about the implications of policy 903 on free speech rights. She criticized the board for potentially infringing on constitutional rights and warned against the legal ramifications of their policies, referencing ongoing legal issues in other jurisdictions regarding free speech.

Harris also pointed out specific elements of policy 903 that she believed violated the Sunshine Act, including the timing of public comments and the process for adding items to the agenda. She urged the board to reconsider their approach and to adopt a policy that aligns with legal precedents established in Bucks County.

The meeting underscored the tension between maintaining order in public discourse and upholding the rights of community members to express their opinions freely. The board's handling of policy 903 and its implications for public engagement will likely continue to be a focal point in future discussions.