LA Council Bans Racial, Gender Slurs in Meetings

The Los Angeles City Council voted 14-0 to ban the use of the N-word and C-word, including their variations, during public comment at council and committee meetings, aiming to foster a more respectful environment and reduce disruptions. Repeat offenders will receive verbal warnings, may be removed from meetings, and could be banned from future participation. Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson emphasized that the measure is intended to protect community members from verbal abuse and encourage civic participation. The council cited the U.S. Supreme Court's 'fighting words' doctrine as justification for the rule, though legal experts warn it could face First Amendment challenges. This concern is underscored by a previous $215,000 settlement with a man ejected for wearing a KKK hood and an N-word T-shirt during a meeting. Despite these risks, officials maintain that the rule's limited scope and clear enforcement procedures will help it withstand legal scrutiny.