MMA to host webinars in June on SJC ruling in Southborough case

Two free MMA webinars in June will cover the implications of a recent Supreme Judicial Court ruling that a public comment policy, or “civility restraint,” violates free speech rights. Speakers will include (clockwise from top left) Attorney John Davis, Pierce Davis & Perritano, attorney Regina Ryan, Discrimination and Harassment Solutions, Katie Gilfeather, an employee assistance program clinician with AllOne Health, and Bud Dunham, Sandwich Town Manager.

Two free MMA webinars in June will cover the implications of a recent Supreme Judicial Court ruling that a public comment policy, or “civility restraint,” violates free speech rights.

On June 5, attorney John Davis of Pierce Davis & Perritano and attorney Regina Ryan of Discrimination and Harassment Solutions will give an overview of Barron v. Kolenda from a legal and operational perspective and provide an update on MIIA’s code of conduct policy. Sandwich Town Manager George “Bud” Dunham will offer the municipal perspective.

On June 12, Katie Gilfeather, an employee assistance program clinician with AllOne Health, will share practical tips for de-escalating public anger. She will discuss how to maintain composure and use constructive language, how to respond rather than react, and how the timing of communication makes a difference. Gilfeather will also discuss how one’s psychology can get in the way and provide tools to navigate challenging situations.

Registration is open for these webinars:
• June 5: Regulating Comments at Public Meetings: The Legal and Operational Perspective
• June 12: Regulating Comments at Public Meetings: De-Escalation Strategies for Uncivilized Discourse

For more information, contact MMA Education and Training Coordinator Lily Rancatore at lrancatore@mma.org.