1.36 Public Comment
I. Purpose
The purpose of this Public Comment Policy is to provide members of the community with a fair, orderly, and transparent process to offer comments at meetings of the Board of Trustees of Bucks County Community College (“the Board”). This Policy seeks to balance open public participation with the Board’s obligation to conduct College business effectively and efficiently.
II. Scope
This Policy applies to all regular and special open meetings of the Board of Trustees where public comment is permitted. It governs the procedures for public comments and sets expectations for conduct, registration, and the time allotted for speakers. This Policy does not apply to executive (closed) sessions where comment periods are not held.
III. General
- Public Participation at Meetings. The Board recognizes the value of community input and will provide an opportunity at each open Board meeting for members of the public to present comments on matters related to College policy, operations, or community concerns.
- Orderly Process. Public comment periods shall be conducted to ensure respectful and efficient participation while maintaining decorum.
IV. Procedures
A. Registration for Public Comment
- Individuals wishing to speak must register with the Board Secretary or staff liaison to the Board—or their designee, prior to the start of the public meeting. Registration may occur in person at the meeting location and through a pre-meeting process established by the Board (e.g., email registration).
- Individuals must provide their name, affiliation or organization (if applicable), municipality of residence.
B. Speaking Order and Time Limits
- Speakers will be recognized in the order in which they register.
- Each speaker shall be limited to a set time of three (3) minutes, unless the Board Chair authorizes an extension.
- No speaker may cede their time to another speaker.
C. Scope of Comments
- Comments should be related to College business, governance, policy, or programs.
- Speakers should address their remarks to the Board Chair and not engage in personal attacks on individuals.
D. Conduct and Decorum
- The Board Chair may:
- Interrupt or terminate a participant’s statement when the statement is too lengthy, obscene, or irrelevant.
- Request any individual to leave the meeting when that person does not observe reasonable decorum.
- Request the assistance of law enforcement officers to remove a disorderly person when the person's conduct interferes with the orderly progress of the meeting.
- Call a recess or adjourn to another time when the lack of public decorum interferes with the orderly conduct of the meeting.
- Waive these rules with the approval of the Board.
V. Approval
Board of Trustees: February 12, 2026
VI. Responsibility
Board of Trustees