At a Feb. 6 San Luis Obispo City Council meeting, a cameraless community member listed as “Derek Shogin” appeared via Zoom to give a public comment that included hate speech. After getting confirmation from Mayor Erica A. Stewart that their audio could be heard, the speaker made multiple anti-semetic and anti-Black statements.
This event caused the Council to no longer support Zoom public comments as they have since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Feb.20 city council meeting agenda included amended terms for participating in public comment.
Stewart immediately stopped the comment and called for a five minute break from the meeting. She further addressed the hate speech at the start of the following City Council meeting on Feb. 20.
Stewart said this event is “personal” to her as a member of one of the communities that were targeted and insisted SLO City Council’s disapproval of this type of speech.
“This council does not condone hate speech,” Stewart said. “I want to be clear that I am a believer in the First Amendment and free speech. I also believe [the public comment at] our last meeting was an abuse of free speech.”
In addition to addressing the public comment, Stewart gave support to the members of the community that were possibly affected by the hate speech.
“For each of you who are in our community, we are sorry that you were targeted,” Stewart said. “We stand with you. I know that sometimes [hate speech] can just take every single bit of your thoughts and wellbeing. The reality is that I want you to not be covered by someone else’s hate.”
Community members wishing to contribute to city council meetings can still do so in person or by sending written or video comments to emailcouncil@slocity.org three hours prior to the scheduled meeting.