STATEMENT ON FULLERTON CITY COUNCIL DECISION TO RESTRICT DISPLAY OF NEWS PUBLICATIONS by Council Mem

STATEMENT ON FULLERTON CITY COUNCIL DECISION TO RESTRICT DISPLAY OF NEWS PUBLICATIONS by Council Member Ahmad Zahra
Fullerton, CA – April 2, 2025

At last night’s meeting, the City Council enacted a policy banning the display of news publications at all city facilities on a 4-1 vote. After debate, the motion was modified to only allow a display rack at the back of the library, next to the community notices board.

I voted against this policy.

I believe this is an encroachment on our First Amendment right of free speech and opens our city to liability. Only three cities in Orange County have enacted similar policies—one rescinded it after being sued. Further, this ban will remove our local newspapers from public view, making it harder for residents—especially seniors, individuals with limited mobility, and those without internet access—to stay informed on local issues.

The ban will impact two local newspapers: The Fullerton Observer, founded in 1978, and The Daily Titan, a CSUF student publication. Until now, both were able to display their papers at City Hall, the library, and the community center, and have been the only papers to do so. These publications rely primarily on volunteer and student reporters, with The Observer dedicating sections to reporting by high school youth. This ban will diminish the visibility of their reporting and dampen the spirit of journalism in our community. It sends the wrong message to our younger generation about the value of civic engagement and free expression.

While city attorneys are adept at finding legal loopholes that allow politicians to enact such policies—despite admitting to liability concerns—it doesn’t make it right. We must consider the ethical implications and the intent behind these decisions. This policy— like other actions we’ve seen in recent years, such as changing the council meeting time or limiting public comment—reduces transparency, restricts access to information, and discourages public participation in local government.

I swore an oath to uphold our Constitution, both legally and ethically. Protecting our freedoms isn’t just a duty—it is a moral obligation.

Attend city council meetings. Support your local press.

End Statement