The Douglas County School District has reversed its decision to ban a video photographer who crossed the line where media was instructed to stay behind at a recent meeting from attending future school board meetings.
Brian Malone, who runs Malone Media Group in Castle Rock, was from the Aug. 7 board meeting he filming. He was issued a summons for disruption to a lawful assembly.
The local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union pressured the school district to reverse its decision in a letter it sent to Douglas County on Monday.
“We are encouraged by the school district’s prompt action that avoids a lawsuit and restores Mr. Malone’s constitutional right to attend meetings of public bodies under the same terms as any other journalist or member of the public,” said Mark Silverstein, legal director of the Colorado ACLU, in a written statement Wednesday.
Douglas County schools also issued a response Wednesday, saying it had lifted the ban and that Malone has agreed to district rules for tripod-mounted cameras and will not disrupt future board meetings.
“We also made it clear that if Mr. Malone again disrupts a board meeting, the district will again have him removed and take any further action necessary,” said attorney Rob Ross, who represents the school district.
Malone has a court date for the summons Oct. 25.
The camera flap is just the latest in a series of issues some members of the public have had with the school board.
A group called is circulating a petition asking for more board transparency regarding any issues that might be placed on the November ballot. It also would like a special meeting called on that subject.
The board recently approved a potential spot on the ballot but did not reveal what it was considering asking for voter approval.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175, cillescas@denverpost.com or twitter.com/cillescasdp
