Michigan cities fight residents over free speech

A First Amendment watchdog group says 20 local governments in the state of Michigan violated the Constitution through public comment rules that limit critical comments.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a nonprofit that advocates free speech rights, pointed to multiple cases of municipalities ruling out critical commentary. In some cases around the state, cities have taken action against critics. The city of Taylor fought a resident who wanted to read critical emails out loud, and the mayor of Jackson prevented a man from criticizing a city council member during public commentary.

In municipalities all across the state, restrictions are baked into public commentary rules.

Some of the attempts to limit speech take the form of requests, such as the city of Grand Rapids’ guidelines against criticism and profanity.

“Please refrain from swearing, name calling and/or making derogatory comments,” the city states on its council agendas. The city does not threaten to take action against anyone who violates that request.

The Troy City Council has a more forceful approach. “Please do not use expletives or make derogatory or disparaging comments about any individual or group,” the city writes in its public comment rules. Troy follows up with threats to take action against violators: “If you do, there may be immediate consequences, including being muted and having your comments omitted from any re-broadcast of the meeting.”

The foundation contacted 20 municipalities in February 2025 urging them to revise their public comment policies. Six of the 20 have responded to the letter, according to FIRE:

• Clinton Board of Trustees
• Madison Heights City Council
• Novi City Council
• Troy City Council
• Westland City Council
• Wyandotte Mayor and City Council

Novi, Waterford and Wyandotte updated their policies in line with First Amendment practices, according to FIRE.

Other Michigan municipalities still limit speech in ways that may violate the First Amendment.

In July 2024, the city of Warren changed its public commentary policy to cut off speakers who use profanity or make personal attacks. The mayor’s office did not respond to an email seeking comment. Warren was not one of the 20 municipalities contacted by FIRE in February 2025.

FIRE filed a lawsuit against the city of Eastpointe after its former mayor, Monique Owens, shouted down citizens who were critical of her during public commentary in November 2022.

The city settled the lawsuit. Eastpointe agreed to approve a resolution apologizing to the plaintiffs, established Sept. 6 as a First Amendment Day in the city, paid $83,000 to the plaintiffs and their attorney, and agreed not to limit free speech in the future.