On Tuesday, the Greater Scranton YMCA posted a ban notice at the front desk: no more 24-hour news shows will be permitted to play on the clubs dozen or so televisions.
The ban of well-known news channels such as CNN, Fox News and MSNBC was prompted by a series of complaints from members who were made to feel uncomfortable.
Last week, a member of the club walked in on an argument in the menās locker room, which had escalated into shouting and harsh language, and reported the scene to management.
The decision was finally made to ban the shows completely, making official the clubās long-standing unwritten policy of not running politically charged content.
Not all local YMCA members agree with the clubās actions, with one long-time member telling The Times Tribune he believes that the ban sets a dangerous precedent.
āI know they like to have open debate and I think thatās great, thatās part of our rights as Americans,ā said Greater Scranton YMCA CEO Trish Fisher, ābut safety is our No. 1 concern.ā
However, attorney and board member Timothy Malone has long been advocating for such a policy, and says his and other membersā misgivings are well-founded.
In Tuesdayās posted notice of the ban, Fisher wrote, āI wish I could say that all members are able to have open and nonthreatening debate around current topics, but that is not the case.ā
āThere have been several instances in which a member has felt threatened. It is not about bias, or individual views, but rather safety.ā
There has been no word of potential consequences for patrons breaking the ban. Other, non-24-hour news shows are not included in the ban.
{module 24-Hour News Ban}