Media Comment & Public Speaking Policy

1. Authority

This policy is in all respects subordinate to the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Standing Rules of the corporation.

2. Policy

No board member, staff member, committee co-chair, and/or member or general member shall comment in any fashion whatsoever to the media or publicly without the express authorization of the Board President and/or Executive Director. The Board President may, however, authorize individual board members to speak to the media on a case-by-case basis in situations where an SF Pride spokesperson is required.

3. Free Speech

Nothing in this policy is designed to restrict, in any manner whatsoever, the right of any member to free speech, a right cherished by the corporation. This policy applies to situations in which persons are commenting on behalf of the corporation, not in their capacity as free individuals. Board members have a high standard of responsibility and should refrain from commenting about the corporation or matters concerning the corporation, commenting in their capacity as free individuals, bearing in mind legal liability issues.

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Approved at Board Meeting: December 8, 1998
Amended at Board Meeting: September 7, 1999
Amended at Board Meeting: August 1, 2000