Misguided Owner: SO-CALLED anti-harassment resolutions violate both the statutory and constitutional rights of the homeowner. EVEN if the homeowner uses yelling and profanity, it is protected speech. -A.S.

RESPONSE: If you try that in an open session of Congress, a city council meeting, or a court room, you will discover that your free speech "rights" are limited. It is never appropriate to yell and use profanity in a board, committee, or membership meeting. You can be ejected from the meeting for your disorderly conduct. (Robert's Rules, 10th ed., p. 627-629.)

RECOMMENDATION: Boards should listen to membership concerns and be patient with members who get emotional. However, boards do not have to put up with abusive behavior, harassment, personal attacks, obscenities and threats. There is no "First Amendment right" to such behavior and disciplinary action can be taken against those who engage in it.