Burr Ridge Disables Comments On Facebook Page

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge has disabled the comments function on its Facebook page.

On the page, the village said it has restricted comments on posts to all parties, with the page existing as one-way communication.

Most public entities still allow comments on their Facebook pages, though the village of Western Springs, like Burr Ridge, does not.

Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso and Village Administrator Evan Walter did not respond to a request for comment last week.

In an email to a resident, the village's attorney, Michael Durkin, this week defended the decision to disable the comments function.

When setting up a Facebook page, he said a public body must determine whether the page is a "public forum" or a "government communication." A page without comments is considered a government communication.

"Federal courts have recognized that public entities can create websites in which private viewers cannot post comments or express opinions," Durkin said. "The Village has utilized its Facebook page as a 'government communication,' and does not invite or allow public comment on its Facebook page."

The attorney's statement appears to contradict Burr Ridge's social media policy, which is on the village's website.

The policy states that the village's social media provides a "two-way means by which to interact with residents, visitors, media, local business owners and people who work in the village."