Boulder Reporting Lab: The Boulder City Council on July 24 approved new rules for open comment aimed at helping meetings run more smoothly and stay on schedule, following more than a year of disruptions related to the war in Gaza. The council passed the ordinance as an emergency measure, meaning it takes effect immediately. The next in-person open comment session is scheduled for Aug. 7.

Since late 2023, residents have used open comment to protest Israel’s war in Gaza and urge councilmembers to support a ceasefire resolution. At times, comments have included hate speech directed at Jewish councilmembers. In response, councilmembers have sought to balance First Amendment protections with efforts to maintain order, including limiting the size of signs and suspending speakers from in-person council meetings for disruptive behavior. But after the deadly Molotov cocktail attack on Pearl Street targeting those gathered for a Run for Their Lives event in support of hostages held in Gaza, the issue returned to the forefront.

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