DENVER (KDVR) — A Regional Transportation District director was stripped of several duties after an internal investigation found "unprofessional" and "demeaning" conduct with staff members.

In a document FOX31 obtained, RTD Board Chair Bouquet on Friday, June 27, revoked several duties of JoyAnn Ruscha, RTD Director for District B who uses the pronoun they. The document included an investigation into Ruscha's alleged actions, finding that they violated several agency and board values and guidelines.

After the investigation, Ruscha was removed from the OSS committee chair position and as a member of the committee but can still attend any standing committee meeting as a non-voting director. They're not eligible for director expense allocations or reimbursement for travel, conference or training for the remainder of the year.

Now, Ruscha, who represents Denver neighborhoods and parts of Aurora and Adams County on the RTD board, said these claims are "unjustified."

Investigation finds 'unprofessional and demeaning' conduct

According to the document, eight members of the board signed a letter in May urging Bouquet to investigate Ruscha's conduct as the director and chair of the board’s Operations, Safety, and Security.

Bouquet said he notified Ruscha of the violations and requested additional information and a statement. A response was submitted, but after providing an extension, Bouquet said there was no additional information submitted.

According to the document, the investigation found Ruscha's communication with board office staff was "unprofessional and demeaning" with a "serious and concerning pattern of unacceptable conduct."

Meanwhile, the investigation found that the communication with directors "have lacked civility," namely an email in March that included "many demeaning and disrespectful remarks." Bouquet clarified that unique ideas and viewpoints are encouraged, but they need to be in a respectful manner.

The investigation also found "disorderly and ineffective" facilitation of meetings as the OOS chair and a lack of respect for the Colorado Open Meetings Law.

RTD director said removal was 'unjustified'

Ruscha said that their responsibilities, funding and effective representation as an elected member of the board were removed without a professional process, and they were "spurious and wholly unjustified." The director also said this is suppressing free speech and limits political disagreement.

Ruscha said they were "penalized for pushing back on staff interference with Director-initiated actions and Board policy."

"Elected officials must be able to serve without fear of retaliation or coercion. Free speech, dissent, and oversight are essential pillars of democratic governance," said Ruscha.

Ruscha said there needs to be a thorough review of internal governance and is calling on First Vice Chair Patrick O’Keefe to initiate an independent investigation and the chair’s handling of the investigation.

"I was subsequently stripped of governance responsibilities because I raised concerns civil rights complaints and whistleblower protections," Ruscha said.