When did serving as a volunteer on a committee in Lake Royale require a pledge of fidelity to the Board of Directors? Recently, a respected friend argued that “in business, you can be terminated for publicly criticizing management.” I understand that in business, as an “at-will employee,” you can indeed be fired for such actions. However, there are also whistleblower laws to protect against unlawful termination. I view the volunteer members of this community more akin to a corporate board whose responsibility is to the stockholders, not merely the members of the C-Suite.

I have previously likened Lake Royale to a town, capable of levying taxes in the form of dues and special assessments. This capacity places it more in the realm of a government entity rather than a private business.

This is how the First Amendment is worded:
First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

These fundamental rights should extend to our community governance. Volunteers should be able to voice their opinions and criticisms without fear of retaliation. Just as the First Amendment protects citizens from government censorship, so should our community protect its volunteers and residents from undue suppression.
Let’s foster a culture of openness and accountability in Lake Royale, where every voice can be heard without fear of retribution.