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On March 11, 2024, the Metamora Township Board enacted a Public Time Policy which governs public comment periods at board meetings. The policy bans “name-calling,” making any “personal statement” or “profane statement about any person,” and “verbally attacking the Supervisor/Chairman.” The policy also gives the supervisor/chairman total discretion over whether to permit a speaker to exceed the three-minute time limit. 

On August 14, FIREwrote the town explaining the First Amendment protects residents’ right to comment on matters of public concern and that the policy is unconstitutionally viewpoint-discriminatory, vague, and overbroad.

On January 13, 2025, the Board adopted a revised policy that preserves the free speech rights of Metamora residents.