Whittier City Council Tightens Public Comment Rules Following Prior Meeting Outburst

WHITTIER — October 14, 2025.

When the Whittier City Council convenes this Tuesday, residents will notice a new preface at the top of the public-comments section of the agenda — one that directly addresses civility, profanity, and constitutional limits on restricting speech.

The new language, which replaces the former single-sentence notice (“Speakers are limited to three minutes.”), now spans several paragraphs emphasizing both respectful conduct and constitutional protections. The statement urges courtesy and professionalism, asks attendees to refrain from profanity or personal attacks, and reminds the public that the City may intervene only in cases of true threats, incitement to violence, or substantial disruption.

The policy cites Government Code § 54957.95 and Penal Code § 403, authorizing removal of individuals who materially disrupt proceedings. It also warns that attempts to censor otherwise protected speech can expose the City to costly First Amendment lawsuits, potentially diverting funds from essential services such as public safety and parks.

Background

The change follows a July 2025 meeting where a man caused a major disturbance by using racial slurs and profanity during public comment, prompting police intervention and a temporary recess. That incident sparked debate among residents over free speech versus community standards, with some demanding lifetime bans and others citing constitutional rights.

A Legal Balancing Act

By inserting this expanded statement, Whittier joins a growing number of California cities formalizing decorum language in agendas to prevent further disturbances while safeguarding protected expression. Legal experts note that cities risk litigation if they silence offensive but otherwise lawful speech; courts have repeatedly ruled that offense alone does not equal disruption.

What Residents Can Expect Tuesday

City staff say the new statement will be read or displayed before public comments begin. Those attending should expect increased emphasis on civility, but no changes to time limits or speaker order.