��֭����

During the public comment period at the May 27 Kyle City Council meeting, Kyle resident Yvonne Flores-Cale spoke about her concerns about changes to the city’s Code of Ethics. Flores-Cale opposed the changes and suggested that city officials were trying to conceal unethical conduct, including an alleged affair between two city officials. The mayor interrupted Flores-Cale’s comments and ultimately called for police to escort her away from the lectern. 

Later, the mayor justified cutting off Flores-Cale under the city council’s public comment policy that bans “personal attacks” and discussion of “personnel matters.”

On July 21, FIREwrote the city council explaining that its censorship of Flores-Cale and its comment policy are unconstitutional. FIREcalled on the city to immediately cease censoring protected speech and to bring its comment policy in line with the First Amendment.

On August 4, the city responded to ��֭����, denying that its censorship of Flores-Cale violated the First Amendment. On August 18, FIREagain wrote to the city, explaining the flaws in the city’s legal analysis and reiterating our demands.