Unmasking Hypocrisy: The Distorted Equity Message of the Colorado BHA

In the world of leadership and organizational dynamics, where equity and representation should be guiding principles, the story of Dr. Morgan Medlock's journey within the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) exposes a troubling underbelly of hypocrisy. Dr. Medlock, a Black-identifying leader, faced a series of challenges and betrayals that culminated in her removal from a position she had dedicated herself to.

What makes this narrative even more unsettling is the BHA's subsequent posting of her former role as a job announcement on their webpage, accompanied by an image that, at first glance, appears to celebrate diversity. 

A closer inspection reveals an uncomfortable truth—the glaring disparity between the image and the reality, underscoring a jarring message of contradiction.

Dr. Medlock's story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and obstacles faced by Leaders of Color in positions of authority. Her journey within the BHA, which should have been marked by progress, transformation, and equity, instead became a case study in betrayal and systemic bias. As a Black leader, Dr. Medlock navigated a landscape fraught with challenges, from manipulation of decision-making processes to isolation and subversion of her authority. Her efforts to champion diversity and equity were met with resistance, reflecting a broader pattern of undermining Leaders of Color.

Amidst this backdrop, the BHA's decision to post Dr. Medlock's former role as a job announcement raises eyebrows and elicits questions. The featured image accompanying the announcement portrays a diverse group of professionals with a BIPOC leader at the center. On the surface, this visual may convey an image of inclusivity and representation. However, a deeper analysis uncovers a sobering truth—the stark lack of authentic representation.

The image accompanying the job announcement becomes a microcosm of the inherent hypocrisy within the BHA's actions and leadership representation. While a BIPOC leader is indeed placed at the center, the surrounding professionals are predominantly non-Black. This visual dissonance cannot be ignored. The choice to feature a Black leader amid a sea of non-Black colleagues inadvertently reinforces the very disparity that Medlock’s journey seeked to address.

The BHA's actions—posting Dr. Medlock's former role and using an image that superficially highlights diversity—send a conflicting message. While the announcement may suggest an organization committed to representation, the underlying reality tells a different story. The image unintentionally underscores the stark underrepresentation of Black professionals within the organization, revealing a disheartening disconnect between words and actions.

The hypocrisy displayed in the aftermath of Dr. Medlock's removal serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done. True progress towards equity and inclusivity demands more than performative gestures; it requires a fundamental transformation of organizational culture. The discrepancies between public image and reality must be acknowledged and rectified. Organizations must take tangible steps to address systemic biases, elevate leaders of color, and create environments where authenticity and equity thrive. Dr. Morgan Medlock's journey serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action.

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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).