There has been a lot of discussion about the Library Trustees meetings and members of the public raising ‘points of order’. The reality is the public is only permitted to speak during public comment. Members of the public cannot call a point of order, since they are not board members. Although many may disagree, the public can only speak at a meeting during public comment.
From ChatGPT:
Under Robert’s Rules of Order, any member of the deliberative assembly has the right to raise a Point of Order if they believe that a rule is being violated.
However, the answer changes depending on whether you’re talking about a board meeting or a committee of the whole or if non-members are present.
Key Distinction:
- ✅ In a regular assembly (e.g., a club, association, or town meeting):
Any member of the assembly can raise a point of order. - ❌ In a board or committee meeting:
Only members of the board or committee have the right to raise points of order.
Non-members (even if they are part of the larger organization) do not have the right to participate in debate or raise motions, including points of order, unless given specific permission (e.g., by rule or vote of the body).
Under Robert’s Rules of Order, calling a Point of Order is a formal way to address a breach in rules or improper procedure during a meeting. Here’s the correct way to do it:
✅ How to Properly Call a Point of Order
- Interrupt Immediately (if necessary):
A Point of Order can be made immediately when a breach occurs—even interrupting the speaker, if the error is urgent (e.g., violating speaking limits or bypassing quorum rules). - Say Clearly: “Point of Order!”
- Wait to Be Recognized by the Chair:
The presiding officer should pause the proceedings and say: “State your point.” - State the Rule Violation (Concise and Respectful): “The motion just passed requires a two-thirds vote, not a majority.”
“Discussion is occurring without a motion on the floor.”
“That exceeds the time limit for debate.” - Chair Rules on the Point:
The chair makes a decision, either:- “The point is well taken.” (Agrees and corrects the error)
- “The point is not well taken.” (Disagrees and continues)
- Appeal (if desired):
If you disagree with the chair’s ruling, you may appeal the decision to the assembly by saying: “I appeal from the decision of the chair.”
(Requires a second and a vote to decide)
🧠 Additional Tips
- A Point of Order is not debatable, unless it’s about decorum or a personal attack.
- It should be used for procedural violations, not disagreements with content or opinions.
- Use sparingly and respectfully to avoid disrupting the meeting.