BOULDER, Colo. – A former member of the Boulder Police Oversight Panel has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that her removal by the City Council violated her constitutional rights. Lisa Sweeney-Miran, who was appointed to the panel in January 2023, claims that her dismissal was unjust. The lawsuit asserts that Sweeney-Miran’s removal violated her rights to free speech and due process. It further alleges that the City Council disagreed with her viewpoints and silenced her as a result.
Sweeney-Miran’s appointment to the panel had faced opposition from community members who believed she was biased against the police. These concerns were based on her involvement in a lawsuit against the city and its police chief over the enforcement of the city’s camping ban.
The decision to remove Sweeney-Miran from the panel came after a special counsel was engaged to investigate the selection process. The counsel’s report, issued in April 2023, highlighted flaws in the process and recommended Sweeney-Miran’s removal. In May 2023, the City Council voted 5-2 to remove her from the panel.
In the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for Colorado, Sweeney-Miran contends that she was deprived of the opportunity to be heard before her removal. Her attorney argues that the council acted in retaliation for her differing viewpoints, thus inhibiting future free speech on police reform.
Sweeney-Miran seeks a declaration from the court that her removal violated her constitutional rights and is requesting compensation for the negative consequences she has suffered.
In response to the lawsuit, Sweeney-Miran emphasized the importance of police reform and accountability in Boulder. She expressed her belief that the city has the potential to be a leader in these areas and hopes her legal action will contribute to positive change.
This developing story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.