September 21 BHAAC Meeting Part Two: Gaslighting the Council
In Part One of JFM’s coverage of the September 21 Behavioral Health Administration Advisory Council (BHAAC) meeting, JFM delved into the distressing silencing of Emily and the broader impact on the community. Now, JFM shifts our focus to another troubling aspect of this meeting, described as a tense and triggering space, the pervasive gaslighting tactics employed by BHA Interim Commissioner Michelle Barnes.
Beyond Emily's silencing and poor treatment, this meeting showcased Barnes in full force, systematically gaslighting the council and denying well-documented instances of harm. To understand the full context, JFM must first acknowledge the resignation of Racquel Garcia, as the Co-Chair of the BHAAC, and her brave decision to remain as a council member to serve the people. Garcia’s departure from her leadership role was a direct consequence of the harm she experienced from Barnes, which JFM previously documented in a dedicated blog post.
During the September 21 meeting, there were several instances where Barnes brazenly lied when responding to meeting participants, a rare occurrence as Barnes generally chose to remain silent. However, when she did engage, it was to spread disinformation and undermine the council's efforts.
Council members Archuleta, Koncar, Watkins, Dr. Oberly, and Garcia displayed immense courage by being united and resolute in their unwavering call for accountability. The council members emerged as heroes, supporting one another and navigating the conversation with grace and persistence. Council Member Archuleta served as one of two meeting chairs and was the first leader on camera to make space for Emily as she attempted to be acknowledged in the chat. We also celebrate Council Member Koncar who was steadfast in sharing the council’s demand for genuine accountability, not just empty apologies.
Barnes attempted to placate the council by inviting individual meetings, claiming she welcomed these conversations. However, it is essential to note that JFM's understanding is that this offer lacks sincerity. Council Member Garcia shared a poignant example that had catalyzed the protest during the May BHAAC meeting. Barnes refused one-on-one meetings unless cameras were present, effectively denying genuine dialogue. When confronted about this change in stance, Barnes callously responded with an "if" and an overall dismissive attitude. The mere presence of this conditional "if" was a painful reminder of her disregard for lived experiences and complete lack of ownership of her words.
After a brief break, council members courageously persisted in holding Barnes and the BHA team accountable for their actions. Council Member Watkins adeptly steered the conversation toward the unfair treatment of Garcia regarding meeting invites. When asked about bending the rules with the former BHAAC Co-chair, Dorshimer (who also resigned in September), Barnes denied ever meeting with him one-on-one. This outright lie contradicted the accounts provided by individuals in the JFM network, further highlighting her deceitful behavior.
In this intricate web of relationships, it becomes imperative to illuminate the undercurrents of power dynamics between the BHAAC co-chairs and Interim Commissioner Barnes. Both former co-chairs rely on BHA grant dollars to sustain their behavioral health and recovery businesses. Their initial journey into the lived experience council was fueled by a shared mission to enhance the lives of those they serve.
However, the potential for toxicity arises when Barnes exploits this dynamic, wielding it as a tool to exert undue influence and pressure the council to conform to her agenda, which may not always align with their deeply held values and best interests. Sources within the JFM network corroborate these concerning dynamics, shedding light on challenges the council members face in maintaining their autonomy and decision-making power.
Notably, JFM sources shared that former Council Member Dorshimer's grant funding was distributed to him so it's troubling to learn that Council Member Garcia, who has been an outspoken advocate and identifies as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), faces obstacles and delays in the distribution of her grant funding. These disparities raise questions about impartiality and its potential implications for council members' autonomy and decision-making. JFM invites you to pause and contemplate the significant financial hurdles Council Member Garcia, a fierce advocate for herself, the council, and the community, alongside her advocacy for Dr. Medlock, is currently navigating.
Throughout the meeting, the BHA team repeated the mantra of "let's move forward" which became a glaring symbol of the BHA's reluctance to hold itself accountable for past actions. This language, while seemingly innocuous, carries profound implications, especially when addressing lived experiences and the concerns of BIPOC and marginalized individuals. Division Director Meghan Shelton's struggle to acknowledge past harms and her self-centered response, where she claimed to be doing her best, underscored the discomfort within the BHA leadership to confront its own history.
Furthermore, Shelton's insistence on centering herself and her current efforts in response to calls for accountability is a reflection of privilege and the "right to comfort" – a tool frequently employed by white women in positions of power. This concept, often used to deflect conversations about racial and social injustice, redirects the focus from addressing systemic issues to soothing the discomfort of those in privileged positions. It transforms the demand for accountability from the BHA into a need to comfort Shelton as she expresses confusion and insists that she is trying her best. This diversionary tactic can hinder genuine progress and perpetuate a cycle of avoidance when it comes to confronting deeply ingrained problems within organizations.
Furthermore, when council members courageously raised concerns about the harm inflicted on Council Member Garcia, Interim Commissioner Barnes responded with surprising loudness, expressing shock at the accusations and professing ignorance about the charges. This response, despite Racquel's prior sharing of her experiences in her original letter to Barnes and her repetition of these concerns during her co-chair resignation, highlighted a deeply troubling pattern of erasure when it comes to acknowledging the pain experienced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). It emphasized the urgent need for accountability and a genuine commitment to addressing past injustices rather than merely seeking to move past them.
It's worth acknowledging that during the meeting, Division Director Templeton and DEI Director Callis demonstrated reflections on accountability and offered sincere apologies for the obstacles created for the council by the BHA. Their willingness to recognize these challenges and take responsibility is a step in the right direction. Additionally, a shout-out is due to Interim Deputy Commissioner Lara for her actions at the very end of the meeting. Lara's decision to come off mute and assist in making space for authentic storytelling from the public stood in stark contrast to how some other BHA leaders had shown up on the call – silent and complicit.
Notably, Callis, who identifies as a BIPOC, received warm and appreciative comments from the council in the chat when her resignation from the BHA was mentioned. In JFM's observations, Callis has consistently exhibited qualities of being grounded, fair, well-informed, and dynamic in her leadership of the council. Her presence has been a source of strength and stability during challenging times.
In conclusion, the September 21 BHAAC meeting exposed the troubling reality of gaslighting within the council, with Barnes at the forefront. Her tactics of denial, deception, and dismissiveness undermine the council's efforts to address past harms and move forward authentically. It is clear that for the BHA to progress, accountability for its actions is an absolute necessity.
This is the tipping point. Barnes' consistent pattern of lying, gaslighting, harming, and discriminating against people has reached a breaking point. Such behavior is wholly inappropriate for a public servant entrusted with the well-being of the community. Enough is enough; Barnes must go. The dangers of her actions and the impact on the community cannot be ignored any longer. We must demand better for our community and expect our public servants to act with honesty, transparency, and integrity.
Please stay alert for more information regarding this ongoing situation as JFM persists in our efforts to promote fairness and openness within the BHA. The BHA team deflected the need for detailed answers regarding disparate treatment and accountability by deferring hard discussions to the October BHAAC meeting. JFM hopes the BHA will acknowledge the inherent power dynamics at play and contemplate the possibility of enlisting an external facilitator to facilitate the conversation. This facilitator should be someone perceived as impartial and reassuring to both parties involved, preferably not affiliated with the BHA or CDHS.
___
The power of this movement is sourced from the JFM network. JFM is a volunteer collective and in response to the increase in tips and stories supporting the fight for justice, the collective created a new information-sharing tool! Share information with JFM using this form.
Have you been confronted about your racist, harmful, and oppressive behaviors? JFM encourages you to explore the concept of "processing right to comfort" to better understand its significance. In our efforts to dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusivity, uncomfortable conversations and confrontations are bound to occur. It's essential to remember that JFM’s intention is not to be adversarial but to promote growth and awareness. If you find JFM’s words hitting close to home, take the opportunity to introspect and understand the reasons behind your reactions.
Sign the Petition to Reinstate Dr. Medlock: Demand justice for Dr. Medlock signed the petition for Governor Polis to bring her back as the Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).
Tell a story: If you have benefited from Dr. Medlock and her leadership, show up and uplift a true people-first leader dedicated to community and transformational reform.
Sign the Petition to Reinstate Dr. Medlock
On Monday, April 17, 2023, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Commissioner, Morgan Medlock, MD, MDiv, MPH, a Black community leader, was unjustly removed from her Colorado cabinet position without cause. Her removal risks the lives of millions of people in Colorado who deserve accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive behavioral health care. It also perpetuates the message that strong, qualified Women of Color are vulnerable to the whims of political systems and cabinet leadership.
Demand justice for Dr. Medlock by signing the petition for Governor Polis to bring her back as the Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).