BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Charlie Baker’s office is defending a policy of barring reporters from meetings of an advisory commission on Latino affairs.
Masslive.com reported that a sign outside Tuesday’s listening session in Holyoke read “Closed to the Press,” and at least two journalists were prohibited from entering. Residents, political leaders and social activists attended.
Baker, a Republican, formed the advisory commission last year to examine issues important to the Latino community.
A spokesman for Baker told The Associated Press that sessions held by the commission are not subject to the state’s Open Meeting Law, though members of the public can attend.
Spokesman Brendan Moss said a “miscommunication” resulted in the event being posted on the city of Holyoke’s website.
He says the administration bars reporters so that participants can more freely express their views.
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