Stop Barnes from Participating in BHA Hiring and Recruitment
In the wake of ongoing concerns and distressing revelations surrounding the actions of Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Interim Commissioner Michelle Barnes, there is a pressing need for accountability and transparency in key decisions that will shape the future of this critical organization. At the heart of this issue are two pivotal tasks that Barnes has undertaken: the hiring of a new BHA Commissioner and recruiting new BHA Advisory Council (BHAAC) lived experience council members.
During the September 21 BHAAC meeting, calls were made in the chat for Barnes to delay recruiting new council members until after a new commissioner was in place. This would afford the council an opportunity to meet with and align with the new leader. Unfortunately, this request was dismissed. Given the documented harm experienced by BIPOC team members at the mercy of Barnes, JFM is making a formal and urgent request that Barnes withdraw herself from the Commissioner hiring process and the recruitment of new council members. In light of the potential conflicts of interest and concerns raised, it is imperative that Barnes should remove herself from all people-related structural decisions and hiring at the BHA.
Barnes' involvement in these crucial decisions raises significant concerns. Her participation in hiring the next BHA Commissioner, a leadership role that is pivotal in shaping the direction of the BHA, poses a risk of centering her own story and interests rather than those of the community and the organization. This is particularly troubling given Barnes' connection to Medlock’s federal racial discrimination complaint which raises serious questions about her capacity to be impartial and fair in this process. Such a document requires the person who files it to sign it as a true and accurate representation of their experiences. This raises serious questions about Barnes capacity to be impartial and fair in this process. JFM recommends checking out the context provided in the drop, The Revolving Door of State Employment for Privileged Identities.
In light of these concerns, it is imperative that Barnes has no interaction with potential candidates for these roles. This is not about retribution but about safeguarding the integrity of the hiring process and ensuring that the interests of the community are prioritized. True accountability requires a commitment to fairness and transparency.
To prevent the perpetuation of Barnes’ gaslighting, a leadership source with proximity to the Governor’s office, has shared with JFM that Barnes is actively participating in BHA Commissioner interviews and has expressed deep concern with the process. However, it's important to note that when confronted with documented evidence of her actions and involvement in various processes, Barnes has repeatedly resorted to lying, feigning ignorance, or acting shocked as excuses for her questionable behavior. This disturbing pattern undermines the trust within the organization and perpetuates a culture of gaslighting. Therefore, the implementation of gaslighting prevention measures is crucial to address the issue and ensure that individuals in leadership positions, such as Barnes, are held accountable for their actions and statements.
It is also critical to note, that the source confirmed that Barnes is leading the BHA Commissioner interviews with the Governor’s Chief of Staff, whose participation in the removal and harm of Dr. Medlock is documented in JFM drops: The Room Where it Happened: Medlock’s No-Win Dismissal Deal, The Scarlet Letter-Writing Campaign, JFM Shocked to Learn that Dr. Medlock’s Dismissal Letter was Signed by her Peer, and The Denver Posts article, Former head of Colorado Behavioral Health Administration alleges she was fired due to racial discrimination.
Not shocking, Interim Commissioner Barnes is named and at the center of each of these instances of documented harm, alongside Chief of Staff Garnett. This raises a profound question about fairness and transparency: How is it fair that two of the primary antagonists in the story of harming and removing Dr. Medlock (the third being former BHA Deputy Commissioner, Summer Gathercole) have now landed themselves with the power to choose her replacement? Was that the plan all along? This abuse of power is not a reflection of the ethical standards that should guide the behavior of Colorado's government, and it raises significant concerns about the integrity of the Commissioner selection process. It is deeply concerning that a majority of those with leadership roles and proximity to the hiring process continue to remain silent, allowing this unethical and ghastly behavior to persist, thus making them complicit in the ongoing injustice.
Moreover, it is essential that the Governor's office, fellow cabinet members, the Attorney General, and other members of the BHA's leadership team step up and prevent Barnes from further involvement in these critical decisions. It is neither right nor fair nor just to allow her to perpetuate toxicity, harm, pain, and hurt within an organization entrusted with the well-being of the community.
The ongoing situation in the BHA underscores the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations and concerns raised by current, staff, former staff, external partners, and community members. Only through transparency, accountability, and the removal of any potential conflicts of interest can the BHA move forward in a manner that truly serves the public good.
JFM will continue to advocate for justice, fairness, and the well-being of the community. We implore decision-makers to take swift and decisive action to address these concerns and ensure that the BHA can fulfill its vital mission with integrity and transparency. The future of the Behavioral Health Administration and the well-being of those it serves depend on it.
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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).