Former Leadville Police Chief Hal Edwards filed a federal lawsuit alleging racial discrimination that led to his termination by city officials, despite being cleared of wrongdoing by an independent investigator. Edwards, the only Black employee in the nine-person police department, claimed City Administrator Laurie Simonson undermined his authority and leadership due to his race. He stated that African American individuals in positions of authority over white work groups often face questioning of integrity and competence, as well as being undermined by subordinates.
Edwards was appointed as police chief of Leadville, a town with a population of 2,600 and a significant lack of diversity, in August 2021. He noted that he did not receive the necessary tools to succeed, such as funding for an assistant chief, and felt that he was not given the same support as previous white department chiefs. Despite filing a complaint with the police department regarding discrimination and unfair treatment, Edwards claimed that Simonson dismissed his complaint without conducting an investigation.
Multiple officers within the police department submitted a written grievance to Simonson, accusing Edwards of being a “toxic” leader who belittled employees and neglected his duties as chief. An independent investigation largely exonerated Edwards after examining the officers’ complaints, highlighting issues related to the use of profanity in the workplace. However, the officers who filed the grievance were dissatisfied with the findings and reportedly threatened to strike, leading to Simonson forbidding Edwards from discussing the report publicly and placing him on paid administrative leave in November 2022.
Following his placement on leave, Edwards was offered conditions to return to work that he felt would undermine his leadership and ensure his failure, including being placed on a performance improvement plan without specific requirements. City leaders declined a proposal for mediation from Edwards’ lawyers, and he was ultimately terminated on February 3, 2023, without ever receiving a work evaluation. Edwards, who had previously worked for law enforcement agencies in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, expressed feeling unfairly targeted and discriminated against in Leadville due to his race.
The lawsuit by Edwards against the city of Leadville highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Black individuals in positions of authority within predominantly white communities. The case brings to light issues of racial discrimination, lack of support for marginalized leaders, and the importance of fair treatment and due process in the workplace. Edwards’ experience serves as a reminder of the systemic barriers and biases that Black professionals often encounter in their careers, despite their qualifications and dedication to their work.
