> In a message dated 11/17/2009 12:11:04 P.M. Mountain Standard Time,
> [log in to unmask] writes:
>
> It seems that heckling, shouting, and being generally disruptive at public forums has become a favored tactic of the radical right-wing in this country.

As opposed to the World Bank protestors who have shut down whole city
blocks? Right-wingers. Left-wingers. All sides have their hecklers.
Then there are people who just want to be obnoxious for the sake of
being obnoxious.

Regardless, dealing with hecklers and other disruptive people should
be including in the training of anyone who deals with the public.
Policies should be clearly stated up front and action taken swiftly.
I'm sure the local police or other law enforcement agency would be
willing to come in and do training for front line people or at least
help you write up guidance for them. If you do get wind of a protest
in the works, by all means spend the extra money and hire the
professionals or do some extra training sessions. There are right ways
and wrong ways to handle situations and they can quickly get out of
control if handled poorly. If you the powers that be think that your
museum cannot afford the extra training or police, explain the cost of
lawsuits and the losses due to bad publicity.

Deb Fuller

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