Lon Garrison, AASB Executive Director
These recent months have underscored both national and local issues related to free speech, dignity, and the hurdles faced by school boards across the country. These incidents prompted me to reflect on AASB’s efforts this year regarding these matters. Not since the era of Senator Joe McCarthy has there been such unprecedented pressure on defining free speech, accompanied by a rise in disrespect from those who disagree with us. It has led me to reflect on free speech and dignity as local school boards navigate these complex aspects of the American experience.
In February 2025, AASB hosted a day of discussions focused on civil discourse and our First Amendment right to free speech. We delved deeply into the topic of Free Speech in Schools, with presentations from NEA-Alaska, the Independence Law Center (a conservative-oriented organization based in Pennsylvania), and the ACLU. A dignified but forthright panel discussion, led by former senator Tom Begich, followed. We came away with the understanding that the tension that comes with opposing views is actually what the First Amendment is all about.
Free speech is both a cherished right and a challenging responsibility, especially in public forums such as school board meetings. While the First Amendment and Alaska’s own constitution protect citizens’ ability to speak freely, these protections also extend to speech that may be offensive, disrespectful, or uncomfortable. Because school board meetings are considered limited public forums, boards may set reasonable, viewpoint-neutral rules [1] to maintain order, but they cannot silence speech simply because it is critical or unpopular. The key for boards is preparation—reviewing bylaws and policies in advance, avoiding reactive changes during controversy, and applying rules calmly and fairly.
A key challenge for governing boards is establishing viewpoint-neutral procedures to allow public testimony without causing chaos or disrespectful speech. Over the last several months, comments by national leaders that could foment violence highlight how such disruptions are increasing and reshaping the concept of free speech, often at the expense of civility and respect for differing opinions.
Last November, at the AASB Annual Conference, we were privileged to hear from Tami Pyfer, a co-creator and practitioner of the Dignity Index[2]. The Dignity Index is an eight-point scale that rates specific phrases—from 1 (contempt) to 8 (dignity)—to spotlight rhetoric that either fuels division or builds problem-solving. Created by UNITE and piloted in Utah with University of Utah partners, it scores language, not people, to encourage communication that disagrees without dehumanizing. The aim is to ease divisions, prevent violence, and solve problems.
As public members and elected officials persist in challenging what we used to view as acceptable speech—often inflammatory, disrespectful, and hurtful—school boards, who represent and serve these individuals, must navigate conflicting responsibilities. By actively practicing language and responses guided by the Dignity Index, it may be possible to create a safer space for communication. Don’t be fooled, it won’t be easy, and it won’t be a one-and-done experience. It will take time and concerted effort to build the respect and culture that can lead to better governance.
Conflicts among board members can also arise, indicating internal strife and mistrust. Respect and dignity among members, especially those who strongly disagree on many issues, can cause board instability, poor governance, and lower student achievement by distracting from its true purpose.
So what can your board do? Here are some tips derived from those practicing the Dignity Index:
- Shared rubric & vocabulary: Give boards, staff, and the public a neutral “meter” to describe heated moments and reset expectations. (Share the Index with families/students.) Salt Lake City School District+1
- De-escalation by design: Train chairs and superintendents to respond to low-score remarks with high-score language (focusing on actions and statements, not motives), which lowers the temperature without curtailing viewpoints. Axios
- Culture building: Reinforces school-community norms (e.g., “disagree without contempt”), aligning with broader “dignity” practices used in education. The Dignity Index
Local governance by elected citizens is a key democratic practice. As a school board member focused on student achievement, you help keep public education accessible and effective. Boards must understand the importance of relevant free speech opportunities and foster a culture of dignified good governance. You can set an example.
Thank you for your hard work and your commitment to our students and communities.
[1] Standards that regulate how and when people speak—without favoring or disfavoring what they believe about the item. They apply uniformly to all speakers regardless of stance (pro, con, or mixed), focus on time/place/manner and decorum, and are enforced based on conduct (e.g., disruption), not message, tone, or who is criticized or praised.
[2] Unite: The Dignity Index, https://www.dignity.us/index
