Heated debate over social-media policy for council appointees; council to return with ordinance

Council members debated a proposed social-media policy for individuals appointed by the Livingston Parish Council (item 24) during a lengthy discussion that included public comments and legal questions.

Sponsor Councilman Mangus said the policy is intended to protect the parish and provide clear "cause" for removal when appointees post material the council deems false or defamatory. He read portions of the draft, noting it applies to appointees defined in the home-rule charter. Opponents and members of the public, including Steven Spell and Chris Gontier, argued the policy risks chilling protected speech. Gontier told the council, "If that's what you want, you need to resign," urging respect for the First Amendment while acknowledging that knowingly false, defamatory statements are not protected speech. Council members disagreed about which appointed boards the policy would cover and whether state law (for some boards) constrains removal authority. Several council members urged additional legal review; the chair asked that a version of the policy be placed on a future agenda as an ordinance or resolution for further consideration.

No binding action was taken at the meeting; the council directed the sponsor and attorneys to refine the language and return with a formal proposal.