The Alarming Exodus: BIPOC Leaders Leaving the Behavioral Health Administration
There is an unsettling trend at the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) - the forced departure of more BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) leaders due to various forms of harm, retaliation, and other distressing experiences. While some of these stories have found their way to the public sphere through JFM’s anonymous government network, countless others remain untold. These courageous leaders have been left to carry the weight of their painful experiences for too long since Medlock’s ousting.
Racquel Garcia boldly shared her resignation letter from being co-chair of the Behavioral Health Administration Advisory Council (BHAAC) via her Facebook platform, which serves as a stark example of the challenges faced by BIPOC leaders within the BHA post-Medlock.
However, Garcia’s story is not an isolated incident. JFM has been informed that two more BIPOC leaders, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the Tribal Officer, have also chosen to resign. Both of these leaders worked within Division Director Meghan Shelton's team. Shelton was named in Garcia’s resignation letter alongside Barnes and has also been mentioned in previous JFM drops.
One of the recent BIPOC leaders to resign was involved in a particularly distressing incident being subjected to aggressive behavior from Michelle Barnes during a recent staff meeting, with the entire BHA team as witnesses. JFM brought this disturbing incident to light in the drop "Addressing Racial Aggression and Power Imbalance at BHA."
Silent Leadership and the Ongoing Exodus
BHA's leadership team has remained conspicuously silent during this troubling exodus. There have been no mentions of these departing leaders in newsletters or external communication channels, no expressions of gratitude or recognition - just more erasure.
The pressing question that arises is: How many BIPOC leaders must be lost before meaningful action is taken? The absence of accountability from BHA’s leadership and Governor Polis’ refusal to address these issues is deeply concerning.
Under the current leadership of Barnes and Gathercole, the BHA appears to be caught in a concerning pattern – the departure of talented BIPOC leaders due to harm and discrimination.
BIPOC Staff Under Duress and Supremacist Rule
The alarming rate of BIPOC turnover within the BHA is a significant red flag for several reasons.
It suggests potential failures in the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion, resulting in the loss of valuable expertise and a negative impact on both internal morale and external reputation. This trend can disrupt teams, lead to legal and ethical issues, and deprive the organization of opportunities for mentorship and advancement for emerging BIPOC professionals. Addressing this issue is critical to fostering a more equitable and inclusive work environment while retaining essential talent.
JFM sources have also shared that a BIPOC team member who reported to Barnes resigned earlier in the summer, along with another courageous BIPOC team member who chose to leave after Dr. Medlock's removal, opting to finish out an extended notice period. During this notice period, they have challenged the BHA’s racism internally. This ongoing trend of forcing BIPOC leaders out of the BHA is resulting in a troubling gap in diversity representation, which is a cause for grave concern.
The Imperative of DEI and the Struggles Faced by BIPOC Leaders
Diversity and inclusion are not mere buzzwords; they are the cornerstones of progress and innovation. Losing BIPOC leaders deprives an organization of unique perspectives, experiences, and insights crucial for driving meaningful change.
BIPOC leaders face distinct challenges even in securing leadership roles, often encountering structural barriers, unconscious biases, and systemic inequalities. Their resilience and determination are evident as they reach these positions.
Nevertheless, it is disheartening to witness that, once in leadership roles, they remain vulnerable to being pushed out by racist attitudes, whether intentional or not. These challenges serve as a painful reminder that the battle for equality is far from over.
Honoring Departing Leaders
It is with a heavy heart that JFM honors the departure of these exemplary individuals, who were making significant strides in transforming the behavioral health system. These leaders were not just public servants; they were effective, compassionate, and thoughtful professionals dedicated to the cause. Thank you for your public service.
It's imperative to celebrate the remarkable contributions of these BIPOC leaders: they genuinely cared for the people they served, their authenticity fostered trust and connection, their bravery in confronting challenges inspired us all, and their unwavering commitment to their values showcased exemplary integrity. Their departures undoubtedly mark a setback for Colorado's state government and its behavioral health systems, but they also emphasize the ongoing imperative of addressing systemic issues of discrimination and inequality within organizations.
In conclusion, the BHA's failure to retain and support its BIPOC leaders is a serious issue that cannot be ignored. It is imperative that Governor Polis and his team take swift and decisive action to address this problem, ensuring that the BHA becomes an inclusive and equitable space for all its employees. The voices and experiences of these BIPOC leaders should not be silenced, and their departure should serve as a wake-up call for those in power to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization. Only through proactive measures and a commitment to accountability can we hope to end the loss of BIPOC leadership and build a more inclusive and just workplace for all.
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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).