A Douglas County journalist was escorted from the Douglas County School Board’s Aug. 7 meeting and cited for disrupting a lawful assembly after he stepped out of a taped-off area the district had designated for video cameras.
Brian Malone of Malone Media Group said he couldn’t plug in his audio jack from the assigned spot, and could only see the backs of presenters’ heads, so he moved forward. Malone said he’d tried to address his concerns about the placement with school representatives and security earlier in the meeting, but, “They did not have a solution.”
“All I did was move my camera to the exact location that I had been given permission to shoot on every other meeting,” said Malone, who’s recorded the last several meetings.
School officials say they’d warned Malone earlier in the evening there would be consequences if he left the designated area. Castle Rock police said Malone didn’t immediately agree to leave the meeting, but did so after two more Castle Rock officers were called to join the one already assigned to staff the meeting.
“I have been banned from all Douglas County school property until further notice, and that includes not being able to take my own daughters to school,” said Malone. “They said there was a security issue. I want to know what that is. Surely, it can’t be me.”
Disrupting a lawful assembly is a misdemeanor, and if found guilty, Malone could face a fine ranging from $50 to $750, and the possibility of up to six months in jail.
Malone, a member of the Colorado Press Association, has produced several documentaries, most recently a film called “Patriocracy” that explores political polarization. A Castle Rock resident, Malone said he hadn’t yet decided what he would do with his video footage from the school board meetings.
“I have questions like any other parent,” he said. “I’m also a journalist. And this is a compelling story. I just want to get the story, from both sides. I’ve put in repeated requests both formally and informally for interviews for every board member and also for (Superintendent) Elizabeth Fagen. I have not gotten a consent or response.”
The school district issued an email response about the incident.
“Our goal is to conduct board meetings in a safe, professional manner,” it read. “Guidelines for taping are in place to avoid disruptions, prevent obstructed views for others, and security, while still providing access for cameras to record the proceedings. … Mr. Malone ignored multiple requests and warnings from security and deliberately broke the reasonable parameters that had been set. He was escorted from the room to avoid further disruption.”
Malone said he isn’t sure what he’ll do, though he plans to attend his scheduled October court date.
“This is very fresh,” he said. “I’ll go through the process. I believe I have a strong case under the First Amendment of the Constitution and under Colorado open-records law.”
TisSheilah posted at 10:13 pm on Wed, Aug 8, 2012.
If journalists cannot get the scoop, how can taxpaying parents decide whether or not to vote in those tax hikes the district will eventually demand?
The school board ought to let Malone do his job, so we can do ours. Playing games with reporters gives the impression of a lack of transparency. A lack of transparency harms trust. Betraying the trust in the parents will cost the district rapport. A loss of rapport will cost the district money the next time a tax hike is on the table.
The parents are watching.
I wonder if Malone can find a replacement videographer.
Can the community help? I'd love to know!
OMG posted at 6:47 pm on Wed, Aug 8, 2012.
I can't believe how Colorado Officials act regardless of political party! This is ramped thru Colorado. I hope journalists ban together and stick up for Mr. Malone. The photo in the paper is clear - no citizens views were blocked they were taped off in the back of the room - so he moved a small bit outside of the tap line to get real shots! First of all - if those rules are not in writing on the official agenda - don't think they can do anything and all charges should be DROPPED! Sad that officials fear the people they have to unjustly make claims against their own concerned citizens who know the school board is up to NO GOOD!
greenikes posted at 3:30 pm on Wed, Aug 8, 2012.
This doesnt surprise me in the least and their explanation is classic...:) Watch, next they're gonna call Malone a terrorist. The right wing school board is following the republicans policy of fear and intimidation. Thank goodness that 1980s approach doesn't work in the real world any more. Most people have evolved to the point where they think for themselves, which exception of the ultra conservatives, who let the church tell them how to think, live, vote.