Ohio law generally requires meetings of public bodies to be open to the public. There is no requirement to allow public participation during those meetings.

Though legally sound, free speech advocacy groups were disappointed in the decision to eliminate public speaks from Canton City Council meetings.

CANTON ‒ City Council recently eliminated the "public speaks" portion of its meetings.

The time had been reserved for members of the public to speak directly to council members while following certain rules.

Council voted Nov. 10 to eliminate the forum because of frequent disruptions, misinformation and social media threats .

Some frequent speakers and other Canton residents have claimed that cutting public speaks is a violation of the First Amendment, but what does the law actually

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