Wednesday, January 17, 2007

to raise a question of privilege

According to my authority, the second hit on the list that popped up to the search;

Privileged motions are motions that are so important that they must be dealt with immediately.

A question of privilege deals with the comfort, convenience, rights or privileges of the assembly or of a member. Usually, the question of privilege is a request; such as, "Mr. Chairman, I rise to a question of privilege of the assembly." Then the Chair: "State your question of privilege." Member: "may we have the blinds pulled to eliminate the glare of the sun?"

Or, “may we have the opportunity to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect us?” Decisions about the exercise of power and resources that are fundamentally ours?

If a member wishes to amend a non-debatable motion and the chair will not recognize him or her, the member can use a parliamentary inquiry to get the floor.

While it is an interruption, it is not a disruption. It does not warrant the removal of a member from the meeting. It especially does not warrant the intervention of a private police force; a praetorian guard.


…a chair's ruling on a question of privilege can be appealed…

Board policy quoted in significant part, emphasis added;

B.10 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS

The Board shall provide an opportunity for citizens to be heard regarding their concerns, complaints, or commendations during public forum at each regular meeting of the Board of Education.

B.14 PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Roberts' Rules of Order, newly revised, will govern the Board of Education, except when state regulations prevail.

Also part of the policy is the part where the privileged class excepts itself from the rules, “Actual procedures will be left to the discretion of the Board president.”

Not on my watch.

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