'Unite Norman' comments on City Council violation of Open Meetings Act

Unite Norman Issues Statement on Ruling that Norman City Council Violated the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act

Norman — Unite Norman released the following statement following a ruling that the Norman City Council violated the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act in their communications related to the June 16 meeting to defund the police:

“Unite Norman has stated since our formation that we need more transparency from the city council,” said Russell Smith, co-founder of Unite Norman. “From their dark-of-night votes to defund the police, to their unwillingness to truly hear constituents on the issues of school resource officers or equipment for officers, meeting in abesentia for months, and now limiting public comments at meetings — this city council has sent a clear message that they don’t believe they report to the people. Today changes that. This is a victory for the people.” 

The Fraternal Order of Police (Norman Lodge #122) sued the city council and accused the body of at least two (2) violations of the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act surrounding the agenda for the June 16th meeting at which they defunded the police. (Source)

The penalty for willfully violating the Open Meetings Act is up to a $500 fine or up to 1 year in jail. (Source)