Part of the first amendment reads, “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.”

This is one of the bedrocks of our society.

This should also serve as a reminder to the Selma City School Board.

Earlier this week, the school board set guidelines and dates for the public hearings to address the proposed school closures.

While we applaud the board for making such meetings available and hope board members come to the meetings with open minds, we cannot argue enough against the restrictions placed on those who might make comments.

Superintendent of Education Donald Jefferson has said those speaking cannot “make derogatory statements” about other schools.

“You don’t build yourself up by tearing someone else down,” Jefferson said during Tuesday’s board work session.

We agree, but when the talking about someone else, or in this case, some other school, using facts and figures, then that should be allowed and should be made public.

We know those wanting to save Byrd Elementary School have used Knox Elementary School’s proximity to areas of the city where crime is higher as a reason to keep Byrd open. That’s a fact. We know that those wanting to save Byrd Elementary School have used information about break-ins and other criminal activity at Knox Elementary School as a reason to keep Byrd open. That’s a fact.

Name-calling and false statements are never acceptable, but in this case, the school board should be willing to face facts — whatever they are and how damaging they are to someone’s preconceived plans. Taking public scrutiny is part of the job of being a public official, and the school board should not shy away from the truth.