School board members in Lawrence, Kansas, have experienced a significant rise in online threats and harassment. One board member, Shannon Kimball, received over a dozen threatening communications in a week. This surge is linked to videos of disruptive public meetings posted on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Videos of individuals, like Michael Eravi and Justin Spiehs, disrupting meetings with foul language and insults have fueled the online harassment. These videos, often featuring manipulated images of board members, have spread to extremist online groups, leading to a barrage of emails, voicemails, and phone calls.
The harassment extends beyond the school board. Other local officials, including Douglas County Commission Chair Patrick Kelly, also report receiving similar communications. The incidents have caused fear for the safety of officials and their families, affecting their sense of security and their willingness to engage in public service.
This issue is not new. Previous incidents, such as bricks being left at commissioners' homes and a Zoom meeting being hijacked with Nazi imagery, demonstrate a pattern of disturbing behavior. The Lawrence City Commission has responded by making changes to public comment periods, including moving it to the end of meetings and halting its livestream broadcast.
The harassment raises concerns about the safety of public officials, the chilling effect on public participation, and the potential impact on future elections. While some officials are resolute in their commitment to public service, others are weighing the challenges of continuing amid such abuse. The article highlights a complex interplay between free speech, online platforms, and the safety of public servants.