What characterizes an executive session during a meeting?

An executive session during a meeting is characterized by proceedings that are confidential or secret. This type of session is typically held to discuss sensitive matters that cannot be disclosed to the public, such as personnel issues, legal strategies, or other private matters of the organization.

The secretive nature of an executive session is intended to allow board members or meeting participants to speak freely and candidly about topics that may be sensitive or confidential in nature. This protects both the integrity of the discussions and the privacy of individuals or organizations involved.

Other options do not align with the defining features of an executive session. For instance, open discussions with public access contradict the purpose of such sessions, as they are specifically designed to exclude the public to protect privacy and confidentiality. Similarly, while a majority vote may be relevant for passing motions in regular sessions, the focus of an executive session is not on debating motions or voting, which distinguishes it from standard meeting procedures.